Tooele knew they would have their hands full against Region 7 powerhouse Springville, having lost to them 10-1 earlier in the season. The Buffs were able to contain Springville at the beginning but had troubles clearing the ball and the Red Devils took advantage, beating Tooele 7-0.

Alexis Eaton recorded the hat trick for the Red Devils while Natalie Young added two goals on her own in the winning effort.

“Not clearing the ball really hurt us,” said coach Donna Ward. “I don’t think they out-played us at all, we just need to clear the ball with a purpose and clear it to our own teammates.”

Tooele started out having to deal with the powerful leg of Springville team captain Chase Joyner who set up many scoring chances with her accurate long passing, but Tooele was able to clear most out of their zone in the opening 10 minutes.

Lizzi and Airica Stewart even teamed up in the sixth minute for a scoring opportunity but was turned away by the Red Devil defense.

Three of Springville’s four first half goals came off of rebounds and the Buffs had trouble clearing the ball out of their own territory. Eaton the first two goals of the game in the 10th and 30th minute respectively.

Tooele wasn’t completely shut down as Tessie Zarogoza had a shot opportunity sail wide and Airica Stewart had a shot go directly to the keeper.

In the last 10 minutes of the first half Springville added two late goals to make the score 4-0 at half-time.

Twenty minutes into the second half the Buffs seemed determined to keep the ball out of their zone, shutting down the Red Devils, while Sierra Strate created a couple scoring opportunities of her own for Tooele, even a couple corner kicks, but was turned away again.

“The middle 50 minutes of the game we had them play-for-play,” said Ward. “We have just got to play like that for 80 minutes.”

Springville quickly knocked in two goals within three minutes of each other by Young and Joyner respectively.

From there the Red Devils cruised to victory and left the Buffs still looking for their second Region 7 victory. Tooele does host Mountain View on Thursday at 7 p.m.

Jake Gordon: jgordon@tooeletranscript.com