A last-minute goal by Tracy Hess lifted the De Anza Lady Dons soccer team over Chabot last Tuesday.

“It was a team effort … we play together as a unit,” said Hess, who scored with one minute remaining in the game.

The Lady Dons trailed at half. Chabot forward Shannon Griggs scored on a penalty kick.

Chabot, the only team in the Coast Conference to tie De Anza this year held strong until a few minutes remained in the game.

Dianna Ridgway scored with just under five minutes remaining in the game. The Lady Dons swayed momentum their way, and took several shots on goal in final minutes.

With one minute left in the game, the Lady Dons celebrated in unison when Gianina Gann’s pass hooked up with Hess for the winning score.

The excited De Anza team extended their conference lead to four points over closest competitor West Valley, with an 11-0-1 conference record. The Lady Dons have lost only two games this season and hope to move on to the state championships.

“I think we just mentally and psychologically let down in the second half … it was a tough game … losing to De Anza is not a bad thing,” said Chabot Coach Paolo Carbone.

“I give a lot of credit to Cheryl, and De Anza is a very good team. I don’t feel bad losing to them, but it is tough to lose when you are leading with five minutes to go,” said Carbone.

The Lady Dons last home game is Friday against West Valley at 3:00 p.m.