Sometimes in the world of athletics, a team will find itself in the uncomfortable position of rooting for its rival. Such is the case this week when Redondo hosts Palos Verdes in a critical Bay League contest.
After a heartbreaking 1-0 home loss to defending champion Palos Verdes in its Bay League opener, Mira Costa will be hoping for a Redondo win when the Sea Hawks host the Sea Kings in a 6 p.m. contest Friday evening.
The week will not be an easy one for Redondo who fell at Peninsula 1-0 on Tuesday before taking on Palos Verdes Friday then at Mira Costa next Tuesday.
Redondo entered the week with an 8-5-2 overall record and was 2-0 in Bay League action. Sea Hawk coach Shelly Marsden hopes to have a full, healthy squad for the first time this season when it faces Mira Costa in the first of two league meetings between the rivals.
With only three seniors on its roster, Redondo is a young, yet athletic team with four of its five non-league losses coming to CIF-ranked teams. The Sea Hawks lost two games to West (No. 8, Div. 3), Mira Costa (No. 1, Div. 2) and Cathedral Catholic (No. 3 in San Diego’s Open Division).
The Sea Hawks tied North (No. 10, Div. 3) and defeated Santa Monica (No. 10, Div. 4) and are looking forward to avenging a 3-1 loss to Mira Costa in the South Holiday Tournament.
“Both teams are very skillful this season and it should be a great game,” Marsden said. “To beat Costa, we will need to score our opportunities and stay organized on defense. I know that my team will play hard from whistle to whistle and so will they.”
Redondo’s top scorer has been junior Callie Hokanson, but has struggled to score without senior forward Katie Stein who has been ill. The Sea Hawks have received steady play from junior Madi Kennel, sophomore Jesse Loren and junior Clarke Brown who have played virtually every minute this season. Also making key contributions have been freshmen Katie Herm at centerback and Eden Millan in goal.
Mira Costa entered the week with an 11-2 season record after defeating Peninsula 3-0 last Friday. The Mustangs dropped to No. 3 in the CIF-SS Division 2 rankings while Palos Verdes switched positions with Mira Costa moving into the No. 1 spot..
Following Tuesday’s game at Inglewood, Mira Costa will host Morningside Friday at 3 p.m. The Mustangs will travel to Palos Verdes on Friday, Jan. 29
Non-league wins against ranked teams include a 2-1 season-opening victory at Santa Monica (No. 10, Div. 4) and a 4-1 win over El Segundo (No. 6, Div. 4) on Jan. 7.
