Biffle scores four in big week for Cougar soccer

The Niwot High School girls soccer team put together a solid week, picking up two road wins before falling in a close match at home against a top-ranked opponent.

The Cougars kicked things off Tuesday, April 1, with a 2-0 victory at Severance High School. Senior Tori Villavicencio scored her first goal of the season, and freshman Sonya Holmes added another goal and an assist. Sophomore Liz Robbins chipped in with an assist as well. In net, sophomore Larkyn Young and junior Mariah Fletemeyer split time, with Fletemeyer recording the team's only save of the match to help preserve the shutout.

Two days later, on Thursday, April 3, Niwot exploded offensively in an 8-0 win over Fort Morgan High School. Freshman Tori Biffle stole the show with a hat trick and an assist, continuing what is quickly becoming her breakout season. Junior Heather Humphrey added two goals of her own, while sophomore Diya Mehta scored once and handed out two assists.

Holmes and sophomore Ava Inguagiato each had goals of their own, while freshman Janie Holmes had two assists. Seniors Madison Ackerman and Villavicencio, and sophomore Mirjam Bos each had an assist. The Cougars' defense stayed sharp, with Young tallying three saves and Fletemeyer adding two in another shared shutout.

The Cougars closed the week with a hard-fought 2-1 loss to Cheyenne Mountain High School on Saturday, April 5. The Red-Tailed Hawks scored in the 40th and 48th minutes before the Cougars answered in the 73rd minute with a goal from Biffle, her fourth of the week. Junior Rylie Fletemeyer assisted on the play. Young and Mariah Fletemeyer split time in goal once again, with Fletemeyer allowing the two goals.

Now 3-3-1, Niwot returns to action at home on Tuesday, April 8, against Timnath High School (3-3-1) before a key road rivalry game Thursday, April 10, at Silver Creek High School (5-3), which also marks the start of conference play. Kickoffs are set for 6:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., respectively.

Captain Mariah Fletemeyer knows the importance of the Silver Creek game. "We're excited, and we just need to bring the same discipline and commitment we've shown," she said. "The win is in our hands, and it's up to us to make it happen."

Head coach Stephen Dimit also expressed confidence heading into rivalry week, adding, "We got some great goals last week and played well defensively against a top 10 team in Cheyenne Mountain. We're feeling pretty good."