Ceja’s Hat Trick Powers Prospectors to 4-2 Win Over McLoughlin

JOHN_DAY, Ore. - Abril Ceja’s hat trick powered Grant Union High School to a 4-2 home victory over McLoughlin on Thursday, Oct. 8, giving the Prospectors a much-needed win after a difficult previous outing. Keira Stiner scored Grant Union’s final goal.

The Prospectors worked together on offense to create shooting opportunities, with Hannah McKinley and Addie Judd helping generate chances. Ceja supplied three of the team’s four goals, turning that attacking teamwork into a productive scoring performance. Stiner added another finish as Grant Union found the net after being shut out in its previous match.

Naomi Blood worked hard in midfield, contributing to a team effort that extended beyond the goal scorers. Behind the midfield, the Prospectors’ defense operated as a unit to stop McLoughlin’s attacks. That coordinated defensive work complemented the offense’s combination play in a match decided by two goals.

The victory followed an 8-0 loss at Nyssa on Oct. 3, when the Prospectors battled through hot conditions on a turf field but could not find the net. Aleilee Allen played goalkeeper during the second half of that match. She continued learning the position and showed progress despite the difficult result.

Grant Union also has a home senior recognition game against Echo/Stanfield planned for 1 p.m. on October 17th, adding a chance to recognize its seniors to the schedule.