By The Hermiston Herald

HERMISTON The Hermiston Bulldog girls soccer team won Thursday for the second time in as many games, defeating Pendleton 2-0.

Coach Ben Jarman said the field conditions were not conducive to good soccer, so both teams struggled, but he was happy with the Hermiston defense.

Abby Horneck scored the games first goal in the 36th minute of play on an assist by Kelley Royer.

Amy Horneck assisted on a goal by Lacy Neddo, who doubled the Bulldog total in the 55th minute.

Jarman credited Pendletons good goalkeeping with thwarting many early attempts to score.

We were working hard to get first to the ball, he said.

He explained that despite some injuries and illnesses, the team is starting to mesh together well.

Royer is suffering from a knee injury and Cynthia Perez has ankle and knee injuries, but both players are expected to return.

The coming weeks will be a challenge, Jarman said about the four consecutive games against Central Oregon teams that start this week. The Bulldogs will travel to Bend to face Summit on Friday and Mountain View on Saturday.

The JV team is off to an 0-1-1 start to the season after a 5-0 loss to La Grande and a 0-0 tie with Pendleton.