A coach not known for nervousness during a match, Oscar Cosio actually appeared almost ready to show just a little after seeing first-year goalkeeper Lanie Webb slow to arise, favoring her right side and hip, after Telluride's Kenzie Zaumseil drilled a 28th-minute free kick over a four-player wall and Webb's attempted leap.
"I don't know if we've got anyone else who can play," he said quietly while considering his options in net and scanning his Bobcats already on the pitch during Ignacio's 2016 season-opener March 10.
While Webb tried proving to referee Larry Conrads she could continue - or at least stand without too much pain - between the goals, Cosio called out hopefully to one of his returning veterans: "Bekah!"
"I don't know how to play goal!" replied Bekah Powell, one of only two seniors shown on IHS' initial roster. That was music to the Miners' ears.
Not that the visitors really needed any more; Zaumseil's strike was already her fourth in helping THS build up a 7-0 halftime lead, and ultimately, a 10-0 victory.
Fortunately for the Bobcats, Conrads shouted "She's good!" and play resumed.
The first to try replacing graduated Krissy Velasquez, Webb totaled 17 saves in her debut and the freshman got a proper pat on the back from older sister/junior fullback Ryley after sliding to deny Telluride senior Madie Alexander a try for her very first.
Webb later received much applause for a fine one-handed stop on senior Taylor Gumble in the 54th. That was four minutes after junior Whitney Wells began the second-half scoring. reshman Rubie DeLuca later netted her second of the 3A/2A Southwestern League match in the 67th for a 9-0 advantage, and senior Emma Spaulding converted a Maria Carrasco pass in the 80th for the mercy-rule clincher just before full time was to be whistled.
Neither Telluride goalie faced a shot in the shutout. Traveling to Ridgway Saturday, Ignacio again received no quarter in an 8-0 loss.
IHS is now 0-2 (0-2 SWL) prior to hitting the road to face Pagosa Springs on Tuesday.
