Mira Costa’s girls soccer team jumped out to an early 2-0 lead and held off Peninsula Monday evening to capture its fourth championship at the 36th annual South Holiday Tournament.
McKenna Doyle scored the first two goals for the Mustangs, who took a 3-0 lead into halftime. Gillian Henry sealed the victory with a long goal in the 68th minute and goalkeeper Nonie Frishette turned in another stellar performance.
The 24-team tournament was dominated by Bay League teams, with five of the top six finishes going to league rivals. Pioneer League favorite South Torrance (No. 6, Div, 4) defeated Redondo 2-0 in the third-place game and West Torrance defeated Palos Verdes on penalty kicks 4-2 after the teams battled to a 1-1 tie in regulation.
Mira Costa forward Kimby Keever was named MVP of the tournament joining teammates Sara Chamberlain, Hanna Watkins and Frishette as all-tournament selections.
The University of Washington-bound Keever appears to have made a full recovery from a knee injury that sidelined her last season.
“We had a great run in the South Holiday Tournament,” Mira Costa coach Patty Perkinson said. “The strengths of the team this year are that we have a lot of veteran players back and a lot of good freshman to compliment our team. The girls had a great win against Harvard Westlake 5-0 and they took that win as a big positive and to get to the finals of the South Tournament.”
Mira Costa began the tournament with a 4-0 victory over Louisville before defeating Lancaster 3-1 on penalty kicks after playing to a scoreless tie.
The Mustangs began the second day of competition with a 3-1 win over West in a quarterfinal contest. Gillian Henry scored two goals and Keever scored a goal. Mira Costa advanced to defeat South 0-0 (2-0 in penalty kicks) in the semifinals.
Perkinson said the success of the team starts at the back.
“Nonie Frishette is one of the best goalkeepers in the South Bay at this time,” Perkinson said. “Maddy Miketa, Sara Chamberlain and Caroline Keever anchor our defense.”
Watkins and Henry are veteran players in the middle who help freshman Vivianna Villacorte and senior midfielder Mandy McKeegan is a playmaker who will be attending UC Davis next fall.
Mira Costa (7-1-1) is ranked No. 10 in the CIF Southern Section Division 2 poll and will host El Segundo Thursday in a 6 p.m. non-league contest. The Mustangs will compete in the North Orange County Tournament Dec. 27-30 beginning with games against La Serna and Brea on Dec. 27.
Despite being with the services of four-year starter Shannon Simon, who missed her second game straight game with an ankle injury, Redondo gave South a battle in the third-place game.
“It was hard to get my team fired up for a third-place match,” Redondo coach Shelly Marsden admitted. “We were tired and we had left everything on the field in the semifinal against Peninsula.
“Shannon Simon is really playing at her peak and she is impossible to stop. Having her unable to play in the final two games was a huge influence on the outcomes. Peninsula and South are tough opponents and without Shannon, teams were able to focus more on their attack.”
Marsden said her team is very young this year but has great senior leadership
“I believe our best play will develop over the season. Seniors Janel De Curtis, Sharon Lee and Katrina Cohen will be solid for us this season. Madi Kennel and Callie Hokanson look to have great freshmen seasons. Central backs Kristina Williamson, Makayla Hughes and goalkeeper Marrisa Marshal have demonstrated great defense in the back.”
Redondo opened the tournament with a three shutouts, routing Village Christian 9-0 and edging Lakewood 1-0. The Sea Hawks advance to defeat West Ranch 1-0 in the quarterfinals.
De Curtis and Coehn were named to the all-tournament team. Other all-tournament selections included Mira Costa hosts El Segundo Thursday in a 6 p.m. non-league contest. The Mustangs will compete in the North Orange County Tournament Dec. 27-30 beginning with games against La Serna and Brea on Dec. 27.
Redondo will play in the Excalibur Tournament at Foothill High School Dec. 26-28.
