MONUMENT • Palmer Ridge’s Bears proved why they’re among the top field hockey teams in the state and No. 1 in their conference Monday when they easily defeated Cheyenne Mountain 5-0 at Don Breese Stadium.

It was a good start to what will be five-game week for the 7-0-3 Bears. It was even better considering many of the Bears’ starters were out sick.

Melanie Niehus scored from a short corner early, off an assist from senior teammate Katelyn McIntosh, who had three assists and a goal. Nicole Alverez scored Palmer Ridge’s second goal when she dribbled one past the goalie (off a McIntosh assist). Shannon Bryant finished the first-half scoring on a short corner from McIntosh.

Alverez struck first in the second half.

Monmouth University-bound goalie Allison Quintana had some key saves as Cheyenne Mountain, 1-9-2, went on the offensive, led by Jaynie Mueller.

But it was McIntosh who scored the final goal with five minutes remaining, off an assist from Niehus. Quintana earned the shutout with eight saves.

“We did pretty well,” Quintana said. “We played hard and played our game.”

Palmer Ridge coach Paul Lewis credited what he calls “one of the strongest midfield lines in the league” of McIntosh, Niehus and Kaili Simmons.

“They work really well together,” Lewis said.

Dani Grossman Photo by MARIAH TAUGER, THE GAZETTE