Garner-Hayfield/Ventura (6-4) scored on its first two shots of the match before even 15 minutes had come off the clock and the Cardinals never trailed in a 3-2 win over the Lynx (5-5), who are just 2-4 over their last six outings.

“Just poor marking and going with runners,” WCHS head coach Craig Signorin said of the early lapses. “All three goals were pretty much the same thing. We did a heck of a job trying to battle back, but just couldn’t find a corner.”

Ryan Hackenmiller scored the first goal in the seventh minute for GHV and Evan Sloan added a pair of goals, the first on a header, in the opening half to stake the Cardinals to a 3-1 lead at the intermission.

Eduardo Perez, a freshman midfielder, got WCHS on the scoreboard in the 19th minute. He added an assist on a second-half goal by Everado Hernandez in the 52nd minute. The Lynx had numerous opportunities to punch in the equalizer over the final 28 minutes, but came up empty each time.

Webster City’s Levi Mussman (10) gets a touch on the ball and heads the other way during Monday’s match against GHV. DFJ photo/Tracy Queen

WCHS dominated possession throughout the second half and took twice as many shots as GHV, 18-9. The Lynx also built a 13-6 edge on frame.

Signorin doesn’t doubt his players desire to win, but says he needs to do a better job of getting them prepared to win.

“What’s frustrating is we have the potential to win games,” he said. “We just don’t have the work ethic for a full 80 (minutes) and that’s on me.”

WCHS will be off until Monday when it will host North Polk at 5:30 p.m.

GHV 3, WCHS 2

Monday at Webster City

GHV 3 0 — 3

WCHS 1 1 — 2

Goals — GHV: Ryan Hackenmiller (7′), Evan Sloan (14′), Sloan (39′); WCHS: Eduardo Perez (unassisted, 19′), Everado Hernandez (Perez assist, 52′). Shots — GHV 9, WCHS 18. Shots on goal — GHV 6, WCHS 13. Saves — GHV 11, WCHS 3 (Gage Rossing). Corner kicks — GHV 2, WCHS 2.