Pine Creek’s Aloha Kaleo scored twice in the final three minutes, including the game-winner with about two minutes left. But it was her efforts on defense that contained Lewis-Palmer leading scorer Gina Robertson to lift the Eagles to a 9-8 home win Wednesday.

    “She’s come up big for us in the past couple of games being able to shut down the opposition’s scoring leader,” Eagles coach Roger Wallace said.

    Robertson, one of the more potent offensive players in the Southern Conference, finished with three goals and two assists. Rangers coach Nancy Fritzsche was pleased with the way Robertson was able to get out of tight situations.

    “Gina did a great job at passing off,” Fritzsche said.

    Kelly Stevens led the Eagles with four goals.

    There were five ties and five lead changes in the first game back for both teams after spring break.

    “It was back and forth, like a seesaw,” Wallace said. “We were a little rusty coming out, but I’m really proud of the way our kids kept their composure.”

    The Rangers (2-2, 1-2 Southern) led at half but with the game tied at seven, Robertson intercepted a Pine Creek pass at midfield and ran 30 yards downfield before passing it to Kendra Weiler, who scored.

    Shannon McBride scored to tie the game at 8-8, setting up Kaleo’s game-winner. McBride led the Eagles (4-1, 2-0) with three assists.

    “I wish we could have held on,” Fritzsche said.

    The Eagles, second in the conference, play at league-leading Air Academy (6-0, 2-0) at 4:30 p.m. Friday.

    CONTACT THE WRITER: 636-0250 or sports@gazettedev.gazette.com

Lewis-Palmer’s Elise Dickey was defended by Pine Creek’s Kelly Stevens, left, during the Eagles’ home win Wednesday. Photo by (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)