NMAA Girls Soccer: Cottonwood Shuts Out Sandia Prep to Stay on Top

Coyotes Back on Track

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Cottonwood Classical Prep (2) Sandia Prep (0)
October 21, 2025 – DR. E. A. SWEDE SCHOLER REGIONAL RECREATION COMPLEX, Albuquerque, NM

The Cottonwood Classical Prep Coyotes bounced back from their first loss in over a month with a 2–0 district victory over the Sandia Prep Sundevils on Tuesday afternoon, tightening their grip on the A/3A District 1 lead and inching closer to securing the No. 1 postseason seed.

The first half was a back-and-forth match as both sides created chances but couldn’t find the net. In the final moments before halftime, freshman #13 Hailo Baca broke through for Cottonwood with a looping shot from near the sideline that took a favorable bounce over the goalkeeper and into the goal, giving the Coyotes a 1–0 lead at the break.

Sandia Prep pressed forward after halftime, looking for an equalizer, but Cottonwood’s defense stayed compact and disciplined. The Coyotes doubled their advantage midway through the second half when junior #5 Abby Dyer found space in the box and finished calmly to make it 2–0.

The Sundevils had several promising looks late in the match but couldn’t convert, with Cottonwood’s back line and goalkeeper holding firm to secure the clean sheet. The win was especially meaningful after Cottonwood’s 11-match win streak was snapped by East Mountain last Friday, and it marks a strong response in district play.

With the victory, Cottonwood Classical improves its position atop the A/3A District 1 standings and continues to build its postseason résumé. Sandia Prep, now sitting third in district, faces a crucial matchup Thursday against Bosque Prep, a team they drew 2–2 with in their previous meeting.