Hilmar High boys soccer team opened Trans-Valley League play with a 2-1 win against Orestimba High at Joe Mattos Field on Wednesday.

After starting winless its first three games of the season, the Yellowjackets have won five straight and improved to 5-2-1. This marks the program's best start within the first eight games of the season since the 2020-21 season.

Hilmar head coach Louie Bettencourt credits the hot start to his players holding each other accountable while also understanding the program’s expectation for this season. The Yellowjackets, who have 16 returners, were one game away from advancing to CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Division V championship game last season.

“We have to put the work in and practice, and we have to push each other,” Bettencourt said. “We’re expected to do the best that we can. But I definitely want to go far into [the TVL].”

Throughout the first half, Hilmar applied pressure to Orestimba’s front. From stealing the ball to getting a much-needed stop when the Warriors approached the Yellowjackets’ goal box, the Warriors struggled offensively.

After both teams were scoreless in the first nine minutes, Hilmar got on board. Following a throw-in towards the center of Orestimba’s goal box, Yellowjackets’ midfielder Miguel Gonzalez kicked the ball towards the right side of the goal and past the fingertips of Warriors’ goalkeeper Julian Lopez to lead 1-0

After an Orestimba shot attempt at goal, Hilmar senior Jesus Rosales was fouled by defender Isarel Ramirez, resulting in a penalty kick. Rosales converted the kick to extend the Yellowjackets’ lead to two going into intermission.

After a scoreless half, the Warriors found some stability.

After Hilmar’s Blake Vitorino missed his shot attempt at goal, Orestimba forward Lucas Fernandes dribbled the ball past three defenders down the field and kicked it past Yellowjackets’ goalkeeper Salvador Rodriguez to cut the deficit, 2-1, in the 51st minute. Following the play, Rodriguez was frustrated after he anticipated Fernandes’ kick going towards the left side of the goal.

What started a scoreless drought turned into a plausible outcome for Orestimba, who were now a goal away from tying the game.

As both teams moved the ball down the field, they missed out on opportunities to score as shot attempts were either blocked or over-kicked. With each minute passing by, Bettencourt became more vocal on the sidelines, telling his players to pressure Orestimba’s front.

In the final minute, midfielder Alex Peña nearly sealed the game for the Yellowjackets, but his shot attempt was barely caught by Lopez, giving the Warriors a final chance to tie.

With a clear shot at goal, midfielder Rey Corona’s attempt to tie was caught by Rodriguez, ending the match.

While Hilmar won the game, Bettencourt said the team eased off their defensive gameplan in the second half and hopes that they can address it in the early stages of league play.

“It starts tomorrow back at practice, and then I’ll point out some of the things that we need to correct,” he said. “Hopefully, they can get on board and we can adjust to some of that stuff.”

Hilmar hosted Ripon High (2-9-2) on Friday.