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ALISO VIEJO — Pregame “hype” sessions in the locker room. Opportunistic offense and hustling defense. And a supportive bench standing and cheering for 70 minutes.
The enthusiasm of Aliso Niguel’s girls soccer team continued to pay dividends Saturday night as the Wolverines beat previously unbeaten Oaks Christian 2-0 in the finals of the Best in the West tournament’s top division at Aliso Niguel High.
Defender Kailiey King and forward Claire Hirakawa each scored goals and goalie Addison Rudel made two spectacular saves to lead the Wolverines (5-3-1).
Under first-year coach Sean Melendez, Aliso Niguel flashed its potential when at full-strength. In the tournament, the South Coast League squad also defeated Los Alamitos 1-0 and Harvard-Westlake 2-1.
“We’re finding our identity and man, we have an energic, fun group,” the former Rosary coach said.
Rudel, a junior committed to Utah, stopped consecutive shots from inside the penalty box in the ninth and 10th minute, respectively.
Aliso Niguel capitalized in the 19th minute as King scored her first goal on a rebound off a corner kick by Hirakawa.
In the middle of the second half, Hirakawa scored on a breakaway for a 2-0 lead against Oaks Christian (7-1-1), which played without injured starting goalie Lillee Maine.
Aliso Niguel’s close-marking defense also featured Brooklyn Lira-Greenwood and Paige Manley.
“We just have so much chemistry on and off the field,” said King, a senior committed to Idaho. “We’re communicating so well, working so well (together). We have great players at every position.”