Tomlin Nets Hat Trick to Power East Mountain Past Ruidoso, 4-2

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Haven Tomlin delivered a standout performance Thursday, netting a hat trick and dishing out an assist to power the East Mountain Lady Timberwolves to a 4-3 victory over Ruidoso at Mesa Del Sol.

East Mountain (9-4-1) generated consistent pressure in the attacking third behind Tomlin’s four-point outing. Along with scoring three times, the team captain set up teammate Avaihabella Valdez for a key goal to help keep the Warriors at bay.

Despite defensive miscues that allowed Ruidoso (4-8) to remain competitive down the stretch, the Lady Timberwolves relied on sharp frontline chemistry to close out the win.

“We had some defensive problems today,” East Mountain head coach Rebel Lathrop said. “There was some out of position play on our back line, but we were able to hold tight. They played a tough game today, which really made the difference in the play… but up front, they’ve been working on communication in the last couple of games. It’s been impeccable.”

Lathrop praised the offensive aggression, emphasizing that players like Tomlin are given full clearance to challenge opposing goalkeepers whenever lanes open up.

“It’s good to be able to have well-rounded players that are able to make a difference and step up when that when it’s needed,” Lathrop said. “I give my front line—the wings and forward—kind of freedom to shoot when they have the opportunity. They have the ability, they have the shot, I tell them to take it. You got to put shots on goal or on target if you’re going to make anything. The more shots you take, the more opportunity you have to score.”

East Mountain remains at Mesa Del Sol for its upcoming slate, hosting Bosque at 3 p.m. before matching up against Rehoboth Christian on Oct. 15 at 3 p.m.