By Alex Webbe
Lucchese received one goal by handicap and quickly added to it. Goals from Andres Weisz and Luis Escobar had Lucchese up 3-2 at the end of the first chukker. Valiente got two first period goals from American 8-goaler Jeff Hall.
Weisz added two more goals to the pot for Lucchese in the second with Hall answering with a single goal. Lucchese extended its lead to two goals, 5-3.
With both teams concentrating on defense in the third, Hall’s goal from the field was all the offense either team could muster as Lucchese took a 5-4 lead to the sidelines with them at halftime.
Valiente’s Roberto Zedda opened the second half with his first goal of the game followed by a pair of goals from Pieres. The Valiente defense held Lucchese scoreless for the second straight chukker and took a 7-5 lead.
Each team managed only a single penalty goal in the fifth, with Hall converting for Valiente and Escobar converting for Lucchese, Valiente continued to hold the lead, 8-6.
Play tightened in the final chukker with both teams struggling to get on the scoreboard. A single penalty goal from Escobar was countered by a pair of penalty conversions from Hall in the 10-7 Valiente win.
“It was a real team effort,” said Hall, “everyone contributed to the victory. Bob (Jornayvaz) played great position and Paulito (Paul Pieres) fit right into the lineup. The addition of Roberto (Zedda) added a little something to the Valiente look as well.”
Hall led all scoring with seven goals. Pieres added two and Zedda scored once in the win.
Escobar and Weisz scored three goals apiece for Lucchese, and they received one goal by handicap.
Ylvisaker Cup play will continue on Sunday with two noon matches, with Patagones facing Mt. Brilliant in one game, and Lechuza facing Zacara in the other. At 3 pm, Bendabout (1-2) will meet Equuleus (3-0).