Lara nets hat trick as Rochelle downs Golden Warriors 5-1

STERLING — The Rochelle Lady Hub varsity soccer team won its second consecutive match to open the 2023 season, defeating Sterling 5-1 in nonconference action. Sophomore Makayla Lara netted three goals and one assist for the Lady Hubs (2-0, 0-0 Interstate 8), while junior Sydney Thorne and sophomore Betty Flores added goals in the win. Junior Danica Ward recorded four saves for the Lady Hubs, who host Stillman Valley on Friday at 4:30 p.m.

Sterling and Rochelle traded goals over the early minutes of the nonconference match, with Lara giving the Lady Hubs a 1-0 advantage with a goal in the third minute before the Golden Warriors fired right back with an equalizer in the fourth minute. Rochelle regained control during the 19th minute, where Lara connected with Thorne for a goal to make the score 2-1.

The Lady Hubs took a 3-1 halftime lead after senior defender Kailey Harris assisted Lara's second goal of the evening during the 35th minute. Rochelle sealed the victory with back-to-back goals over the 64th and 68th minutes to surge ahead of the Golden Warriors. The Lady Hubs outshot Sterling 23-8 and 13-5 in shots on goal. Rochelle finished with five corner kicks and forced five offside penalties on the Golden Warriors.