Falcons make a statement

Crescenta Valley got out to a 3-0 lead before Fraisse scored consecutive goals in a 29-second span to begin a four-goal Falcons run that led to a 7-1 advantage at the end of the first quarter.

Goals by Spartans Riley Kessler and Rita Neat, who had three scores each, were the only tallies of the second quarter, bringing the score to 7-3 at the half. Kessler, along with goalie Mary Reardon, are returning All-Area selections for La Cañada.

In the third quarter, the Falcons outscored the Spartans, 4-1, to put the match away and usher in subs throughout most of the fourth period. When Crescenta Valley was clicking offensively it came largely on the counter-attack and in transition.

“Our team speed is so much more effective this year,” Loporchio said.

Indeed, it’s a good start for a Falcons squad full of returners after last year’s campaign that saw surprising success on top of ample amounts of growing pains.

“Last year was a lot of rebuilding,” Munoz said. “This year, we’re bringing it all together.”