The Vikings led 3-0 and were in complete control of their game against Elko on Friday.

“In fact, it was probably the best we’ve played in terms of sustaining our possession and style of play for most of the game,” head coach Jeremy Evans said in an email.

But the tide suddenly shifted in the 52nd minute to end the game in a 4-4 tie.

Elko scored on a direct kick from about 35 yards out to make it 3-1, and the Indians began to sneak back in the game.

Elko went on to score another direct kick from a similar distance a few minutes later to make it 3-2, and then scored on a penalty kick in the 73rd minute to tie it at 3-3.

The Indians then did the improbable. They took the lead 4-3 two minutes later on another direct kick. Four goals on three direct kicks and a penalty kick.

“Give Elko credit,” Evans said. “They fought and became very inspired after making it 3-1. The Elko girls increased their pressure on us and it ultimately resulted in four goals on three direct kicks and one penalty kick. I can’t say it happens often because I’ve never seen a game end like that, but it happened nonetheless.”

South Tahoe was upset, but not ready to give up the win. The Vikings scored in the 78th minute to tie the game at 4. By the end, South Tahoe had outshot Elko 28-8.

“The girls became unraveled after the end of the game. Some were visibly upset and others weren’t sure exactly how to feel except that this game wasn’t right,” Evans said. “I had to explain to them that these things happen in sports.

“Sometimes you win games you should lose, and other times you lose games you should win. In this case, we tied a game we could’ve won 6-0 or 7-0.”

GOALS/ASSISTS: Kelly Colleton scored in the first half, then Jordyn Dion scored off an assist from Colleton early in the second. Cassidy Jackson scored the third goal to make it 3-0. Jackson then converted a penalty kick in the 78th minute.

South Tahoe 7, Spring Creek 0

South Tahoe shook off the surprising Elko outcome with a 7-0 win against Spring Creek on Saturday.

The Vikings led 2-0 at halftime, added another early goal in the second half and then never relented.

Brittany Hubberts and Jordyn Dion each had a hat trick, while Maia Bickert scored the game’s opening goal. Ally King had two assists, Valeria Garcia and Carli Valney each had an assist.

“It was great to see Brittany Hubberts have a breakout game,” Evans said. “She’s been a bit frustrated at times because she’s coming off two offseason surgeries and I’ve been bringing her back slowly, which can be difficult for a senior to handle. But with our injury problems at the moment, it’s obvious Brittany has to be on the field and her conditioning is improving.”

Sophomore starter Grace Schouten is out until at least Oct. 2 after injuring herself against Truckee. Senior starter and captain Jenny Burks sprained her ankle in Thursday’s practice before the team left for Elko on Friday. Her return is unknown at this time. Schouten and Burks had scored the team’s past five goals prior to the Elko and Spring Creek games.

“While it’s never preferable to lose starters, it’s been encouraging that other players have stepped up and we haven’t missed a beat in terms of how we play,” Evans said. “If we want to accomplish our team goals this season, we need to overcome adversity and injuries are part of that.”

The Vikings are now 4-0-1 overall and in league and have three of their next four games at homes with the fourth game at Whittell.

UP NEXT: The Vikings will host Fallon at 6 p.m. on Thursday.

JV RECAP: The South Tahoe JV team beat Elko 4-0 and Spring Creek 5-1.

Against Elko, Ana Garcia had two goals, while Alejandra Gutierrez and Jenny Valdivia each had one. Against Spring Creek, Bailee Salmon had two goals, Garcia had two more, and Emma Dayberry had the other. JV is now 4-0-1 and have outscored teams 29-2.

Martin Harris of the Elko Daily Free Press contributed to this story.