RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - It didn't take long for the Cordova Lady Lancers to get their first win under new head coach Kim Bradley, as they defeated the visiting Tokay Tigers 6-0 in their regular season opener on Aug. 18 inside Lancer Stadium. 

A 30-yard touchdown scramble from senior quarterback Taliyah Johnson on the Lady Lancers' third possession of the contest gave her team a lead they would hold for the duration, as their defense stifled a Tigers' offensive attack that failed to muster any points.

For longtime Cordova coach Kim Bradley, who is in her first season coaching flag football, the win was bigger for the team than for herself.

"It felt good. It gave us the confidence we needed," Bradley said. 

The victory came against a Tigers team that compiled an impressive 22-1 record a season ago. Defeating a program with that kind of success in recent years is a big deal for Cordova as they look to establish themselves in the sport of flag football during what is the third season for the program. According to Bradley, the win was a full-team effort. 

"It was a team-wide standout effort if you ask me," Bradley said. "I can't just single out one player. I think it was ultimately a team thing."

In addition to Johnson's scoring scamper early, the leg of senior kicker/punter Sophia Quarles played a huge role in the victory, providing the Lady Lancers defense with excellent field position throughout. The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF)  introduced punting to flag football this season, and Quarles will be relied upon all season. 

The Lady Lancers (1-2 overall at press time) did drop their next two contests on the road at Vista Del Lago and Pleasant Grove last week but will keep battling under their new coach. Bradley knows constant improvement is the name of the game. 

"Obviously, we still have a lot of growth to do on both offense and defense," Bradley said. "So we're taking it day by day and working on the small things. Communication is one thing. Just knowing where we're supposed to be in our coverages, in our zones, and also running our routes a little more crisp."

The Lady Lancers travel to St. Francis on Wednesday, Sept. 3 for a big-time matchup at 5 p.m.