Central Valley High School's varsity girls soccer team has never participated in the playoffs.

The Hawks are making a push for their first-ever postseason berth this year.

Central Valley remained in a tie for third place in the Western Athletic Conference standings this past week after accumulating a win and tie.

"If we do go to playoffs, it would be an awesome experience for all of us," Hawks senior striker Michelle Hernandez said.

Central Valley salvaged a 2-2 tie with Patterson on Thursday in Ceres.

The Hawks and Tigers are battling for the WAC's third and final postseason berth.

Central Valley lost 4-0 at Patterson earlier this season.

"We were more focused this time," said Hernandez, who accounted for both of the Hawks' goals. "We had better communication."

Alex Covarrubias had five saves while starting at goalkeeper for Central Valley, which trailed 2-1 at intermission.

Hernandez tallied the game's first goal midway through the first half when she finished from close-range.

Michelle blasted a 30-yard free kick into the left side of the net early in the second half.

Covarrubias made two clutch saves late in the game to preserve the tie. She deflected a shot out of bounds and punched a free kick over the crossbar.

"I was confident we'd find a way to tie or win," Hernandez said. "We were determined."

Central Valley shut out host Los Banos 4-0 on Tuesday, April 9.

Rocio Beltran had two goals.

Hernandez and Carina Partida both scored once.
Jacquline Vasquez collected one assist.

The Hawks outscored the Tigers 3-0 in the opening half.

"Playoffs are on the line," Hernandez said. "We want to be the first girls team from Central Valley to go. If we do, people will respect us more. We're going to battle to the end."