BY MATT JOCKS
HEMET — If potential opponents were looking for clues Wednesday about Hemet High’s prospects in the upcoming girls’ soccer playoffs, they didn’t get much help. Against a team with just one victory this season, Hemet looked neither overpowering nor vulnerable. Instead the Bulldogs put together a workmanlike 3-0 victory over Hemet West Valley to maintain control of the Mountain Pass League race. The statistics were overwhelming. Hemet (18-0-2, 6-0-1 in league) didn’t allow a shot or a corner kick, while piling up 30 shots, 16 on goal, and 11 corners. Finishing, however, was another story. The Bulldogs had just one clean goal, a header by Kayla Bozer off Bailie Boyd’s corner kick in the 48th minute. Hemet also picked up an own goal and scored its first goal when West Valley keeper Makayla Rawlins’ momentum carried her over the goal line as she made the grab. “We just weren’t putting our shots away,” Hemet coach Craig Dwinnell said. “That bothers me a little. That’s what we really worked on in practice.” The only goal of the first came off the foot of Kayla Haas, who took a rebound about 20 yards out and lofted a high shot that carried Rawlins just over the goal as the keeper lunged for the ball. Rawlins made seven saves in the first half, including a couple of tough plays. “Their keeper did a very good job,” Dwinnell said. “They work. They work very hard.” West Valley coach William Velasquez said he was happy with the way his team shut down the Hemet midfielders. The Mustangs (1-16, 1-6) allowed no goals from organized offense. “I was really coaching for a 0-0 half,” he said. “I thought if we could get that, we could build some momentum. “Our forte is defense. Our girls are only high school players (as opposed to club). We don’t really have the offensiveskill to create a lot of chances.” Both of Hemet’s secondhalf goals were set up by Boyd. Her well-placed cross caromed off a West Valley defender into the net in the opening minute of the half and a perfect corner found Bozer’s forehead. “She’s a sophomore and she’s made a big step for us,” Dwinnell said. “She’s leading the team in assists. Her corners have been just excellent and, at the same time, she has played up top for us when we’ve had injuries.” Hemet has three games remaining, including the regular-season finale against second-place San Jacinto.