The Hilmar Yellowjackets (7-8-1) started Monday's league matchup against the Ripon Indians (11-5-1)  strong, only to lose momentum — and the game — in the second half, 4-2.

Hilmar seniors Osiris Guerrero and Arturo Moran started the game off  right, each scoring a goal. The Indians allowed several more shot attempts to be made in the first half. Hilmar’s defense also stopped Ripon from scoring until two minutes before the whistle for halftime.

It seemed the Indians just needed a pep talk from their coach during the break, as they came back to the field a different team.  

Within moments of the whistle beginning the second half, Hilmar goal keeper Caleb Lopez blocked two powerful attempts made by the Indians who came back in the game determined. They would make a third attempt at the 'Jacket’s goal — blocked by Andres Moran — before they would score two back-to -back goals made by David Alvarez.

Hilmar felt the pressure from the Indians in the second half, and allowed two more goals before it was over.

“It’s hard to get their heads in the game coming back from the weekend on a Monday game. They became confident from the first half of the game and let the second half go. That was our game to win and they let them have it. We had the injury, of course, but no excuses,” Hilmar's coach Louie Bettencourt said after the match.

Hilmar hosts Hughson at 4 p.m. today.