Girls Soccer:
No biggie.
The only thing Maranatha had to accomplish in earning a spot in next week’s CIF-SS Division 7 title game was to win five consecutive playoff games.
The last of which was a showdown with undefeated St. Monica (20-0) on Saturday.
And Maranatha did just that, defeating the Mariners, 3-2, at MHS.
The Lady Minutemen got off to a great start.
Approximately nine minutes in, Vauna Derderian set up Maren Halvorson’s goal, and MHS led 1-0.
A few minutes later, Derderian did it again.
She assisted on an Ella Klops score, and Maranatha had a 2-0 advantage.
St. Monica Prep scored off a loose ball in the box, and the game would go to the break with MHS leading, 2-1.
In the second half, the Mariners scored on a counter-attack to tie the game 2-2.
With just over three minutes remaining, however, Ella Klop centered the ball to Halvorson for the game-winning goal.
Mia Madarang had six huge saves in goal for Maranatha.
Up next: MHS will face Artesia next weekend for the D-7 championship.
The Pioneers (18-3-3) defeated Century, 2-0, on Saturday night.
CIF will assign the date and location this weekend.
Quotable:
Maranatha coach, Joshua Ayers: “We are very proud of the girls and the hard work they’ve put in during the postseason. When it comes time to play, they’ve truly learned to fight hard and give everything until the final whistle. Their belief in what they are capable of doing continues to increase, and as a result, we are scoring more and allowing less goals. We hope to finish the championship with another impressive performance.”
Box Score:
SM: 1-1-(2)
M: 2-1-(3)
Records: St. Monica (20-1); Maranatha (13-10-1)
Maranatha’s Playoff Run:
2/6: Maranatha 10, Laguna Blanca (wild-card round)
2/8: Maranatha 3, Mary Star of the Sea 0
2/10: Maranatha 4, Cathedral City 0
2/14: Maranatha 3, Oxford Academy 0
2/17: Maranatha 3, St. Monica 2
2/23 or 2/24: Maranatha vs Artesia
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