Alejandra Argueta’s “rocket shot” from 30 yards out lifted East Ridge to the district tournament crown with a 3-2 win over Hixson, Thursday.

“This was an exciting game,” Lady Pioneer Coach Jeremy McIntyre said in a game summery provided East Ridge News Online. “We had to come from behind twice to win the game.”

Trailing 1-0 at the half, Lucy Lopez got East Ridge on the board. Only a few minutes later, Hixson got the upper hand with a goal. Lopez once again countered with her second goal to knot the game at 2-2.

With 10 minutes left, Argueta scored the game winner. 

McIntyre said that Hixson put on an “onslaught” in a desperate comeback attempt. He credited the defense of Frida Jacobo, Macy Payne, Ashley Mendez, Olis Diaz, Kieralee Huff, and goalkeeper Nia Barnes in preserving the win.

“The team was exhausted,” McIntyre said. “Very exciting.

Lopez was named the MVP of the tournament, while Jacobo was named to to the All-District Team.

East Ridge will host the region semifinals Tuesday, taking on McMinn Central at Camp Jordan Park. Time of the match has yet to be determined.