The Bellarmine varsity soccer team knew that it had a stiff test in front of it on Friday afternoon. The team played host to Clovis-West, currently ranked #1 in the nation, and the defending national champions from last year. The Bells truly rose to the challenge on Friday, defeating Clovis 2-0, in an afternoon of stellar soccer by both squads.
The Bells were really up for this game, and came out playing terrific soccer from the opening whistle. While both teams had some good scoring chances, the score was knotted 0-0 at the midway point.
In the second half, both sides continued to create dangerous opportunities, and the Bells eventually capitalized about 15 minutes into the second half when Andrew Cota's cross was flicked over the goalkeeper's head by Walker Linares.
The Bells knew that this one goal lead might well not be enough against this powerful team from Fresno, but the team put the game out of reach when Henry Ainley finished on an assist by Eric Masch.
With the victory in this non-league game, the Bells improved to 5-1 on this young season. The Bells finish their pre-Christmas season with a game on December 16 against Riordan, and a scrimmage against Bellarmine alumni on December 23.