SPENCER ― Three Spencer first half goals proved too big a mountain to climb as the host team claimed a 3-1 decision in a battle of ranked squads, defeating No. Sioux Center, in Spencer.

“We played some really great soccer, connecting passes and holding most of the possession,” said John Hansel, coach for No. 9 Spencer. “We would have liked to have been a little more efficient on offense with 22 shots and only three goals.