By Roselyn B. Monroyo
Variety News Staff

IF the results of the opening games in the Spring 2007 NMIFA Women’s Recreational League last Saturday at the Oleai Sports Complex Field are to be the gauge of the competition, this year’s spring tournament promises to go down to the wire.
Both games in the opener ended in a draw with Fiesta Fuerza and Grand Mean Striking Machine scoring two goals apiece and Smith’s Sonic Booms and PIC’s Pretty Incredible Chicks nailing three each.
Fiesta co-captain Lindsay Davis drew first blood hitting a goal off a Becca Rath pass in the 12th minute.
Grand tied the score with Elisa Long scoring a goal at the 18:30 mark.
Davis nailed her second goal in the 26th minute to put Fiesta in the lead, 2-1. Credit half of the goal to Patty Coleman who made the pass to Davis.
Zoe Jewell tied the match anew hitting a goal in the 37th minute.
Neither team scored a goal in the second half.
“I was really impressed with our work ethic. Our players gave it their all. The second half was a major improvement. Communication was there, better man marking and there was a clearer understanding of positions. I’m very pleased with the outcome. It’s going to a great season,” Grand captain Morgan Rose said.
“Overall, everyone played really well. Our keeper Noi (Horey) had some beautiful saves. Our defenders did an excellent job of pressuring the ball. Our midfielders and forwards controlled the ball well and had some great passes. Both our goals were the results of good teamwork, controlled passes and positioning,” Davis said.
Fiesta and Grand were awarded a point each for forcing a deadlock in the first match.
Two points are given to a winning team. At the end of the regular season, the team with the most points will get the top seeding to the playoffs.
The Smith’s Sonic Booms and PIC’s Pretty Incredible Chicks also gained a point apiece after their game ended in a 3-3 draw.
Emily Gries scored the first goal in the match hitting one at the 15:40 mark. After more than seven minutes, PIC’s Sarah Helbert tied the match with her first goal (22:13th).
After the ball crossed the goal line, Emily Gries was awarded a corner kick and scored her second goal in the 32th minute to give Smith the lead, 2-1.
Seven minutes later, Brenda Schultz received a pass from Ami Ridenour and the former hit her first goal giving Smith a 3-1 lead.
Back-to-back goals from Helbert in the 40th and 57th minute forced a deadlock.