Hamilton's girls soccer team didn't have time to forget their most recent match with Desert Vista. five days ago. The Huskies displayed a good memory using the blueprint that beat them in turning the tables in a power-ranking match on Wednesday night at Thunder Stadium.

Hamilton scored twice in the first half and staved off a late second-half push by Desert Vista to post a 2-1 victory over the Thunder in 6A contest between programs quite familiar with one anther.

"It was another great opportunity for us to come together and compete," Hamilton coach Nathan Fairchild said. "We enjoy playing them."

Desert Vista (13-2) and Hamilton (11-2-2) played for the big-school state title last year. It ended in a 0-0 tie  after 110 minutes and was finally won by Desert Vista in a shootout.

Hamilton certainly enjoyed this one. In the Arizona Soccer Showcase final at The Reach on Dec. 30, Desert Vista came out on top, 2-1. The Thunder scored two first-half-goals putting pressure on Hamilton to come back. This one was just the opposite.

Hamilton's first goal came in the fifth minute. Junior Sammy Atterbury slipped a pass to  sophomore Callie Darst just inside the top of the box. Darst was on target, beating keeper Kamrie Gunderson.

"Callie was very composed on that shot, it was a great finish," Fairchild said. 

Hamilton's second goal was registered in the 34th minute. Sophomore Hailey Collier launched a free kick from 35 yards out. It rattled around and eventually found the back of the net. It's the only time this season Desert Vista has trailed by two goals.

Desert Vista didn't waste time getting back within a goal. A foul on Hamilton in the box  as the Thunder attempted to score on a free kick sent Izzy Deutsch to attempt a penalty kick. Deutsch converted in the 45th minute. Desert Vista coach Marvin Hypolite was confident at that point his troops could get the equalizer.

It didn't happen. The Thunder got a pair of corners in the final 10 minutes that didn't result in shots. Lauren Votto got a good look from about 20 yards out in the 78th minute, but her shot was wide. 

"As a coach I feel really good about three of the four halves we just played against them," Fairchild said. "I was glad we finally got one (win)."

Hypolite anticipated Hamilton would come out strong and wasn't mistaken.

"Always when you've lost to someone and you get the chance to play them again you're ready," Hypolite said. "They didn't forget the other day or last year. it's on their mind.....

"We were searching for that tying goal. We just couldn't get it. I was pleased with our second half. We held them scoreless, but if we could have tied it at some point it would have been more of a match."