Despite a legacy that has now produced nine consecutive trips to the state final four, Columbia River girls soccer knows reaching that point is hard.

East Valley of Yakima didn’t make it easy with its physical play on Saturday. But Columbia River showed toughness and poise to earn a 3-2 win in the Class 2A state quarterfinals at John O’Rourke Field.

Remi Buckley scored two goals in the first half and set up Makayla Hundt’s goal that gave River a 3-1 lead shortly after halftime.

That goal proved crucial as East Valley scored with two minutes on the clock. When the final whistle blew, some River players celebrated while others exhaustedly dropped to the turf.

Rapids coach Filly Afenegus said Saturday’s match was easily the most physical his team had faced this season. This being the stat

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