Girls' soccer third at tourney

Dec. 30, 2005 12 AM PT

Laguna Beach High defeats Sacred Heart, Saddleback Valley Christian at JSerra Tournament.Playing four games in a two-day period, the Laguna Beach High girls’ soccer team came up with several big performances in earning a third-place finish at the JSerra Tournament.

The Breakers battled host JSerra in the tournament’s game for second place, and the Lions rallied late to pull out a 2-1 victory.

“We were very pleased with our performances and are confident that we have what it takes to compete with anyone,” Laguna coach Bill Rolfing said.

Sage Hill 1, Laguna 0

Sage Hill won a defensive battle in the tournament opener for both teams, and the Lightning used the win to propel them to an undefeated journey to the tournament title.

Laguna 6, Sacred Heart 0

Laguna took out its frustration from the one-goal loss to Sage Hill by defeating the Comets handily in their second game of the day.

Laura Renault, Sarah Rolfing, Courtney Capobianco, Jackie Csira, Brianna Lacy and Angela Lozano scored goals for the Breakers.

Laguna 2, Saddleback Valley 0

Playing what Rolfing called its best game, Laguna shut down a Saddleback Valley squad that had played strongly against other tournament competition.

“We rolled over them with teamwork,” he said.

The Breakers used a great six-pass combination play in the first half to get on the scoreboard with a goal by Anna Hooper. In the second half, Angela Lozano scored off an assist from Jackie Csira.

“The girls played a team-first game and allowed only one shot on goalie Lauren Caris,” Rolfing said.

JSerra 2, Laguna 1

Laguna led 1-0 heading into the late stages of the game, but JSerra took advantage of two fouls called on the Breakers’ defense to score two goals and grab the win.

A goal by Angela Lozano gave Laguna a 1-0 lead, which the Breakers maintained throughout the contest before being hit with two late defensive fouls.

“[It’s] a tough defeat, but we are ready to move on and prepare for the Palm Desert Tournament and then into the Pacific Coast League,” Rolfing said. “The PCL has two teams in the top 10 in Orange County right now, Northwood and Tesoro. We must be realistic about our extremely large and competitive PCL schools; however, we also have gained a lot of confidence this year and feel we will be ready to compete.”

Following the Palm Desert Tournament, which concluded Thursday, Laguna opens league play Wednesday with a home match against Beckman.

Girls’ soccer schedule:

Wed., Jan. 4: vs. Beckman, 4:45 p.m.

Mon., Jan. 9: at Northwood, 3:15 p.m.

Wed., Jan. 11: at Calvary Chapel, 3:15 p.m.

Fri., Jan. 13: vs. University, 4:45 p.m.

Wed., Jan. 18: vs. Corona del Mar, 4:45 p.m.

Fri., Jan. 20: at Tesoro, 4:45 p.m.

Wed., Jan. 25: at Beckman, 3:15 p.m.

Fri., Jan. 27: vs. Northwood, 4:45 p.m.

Mon., Jan. 30: at University, 3:15 p.m.

Wed., Feb. 1: vs. Calvary Chapel, 4:45 p.m.