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SANTA ANA — Mater Dei’s girls soccer team added a historic feat to its sizzling start Wednesday in the finals of the Excalibur Tournament of Champions at Foothill High.
Valentina Labuschagne converted a penalty shot that she drew in overtime, and Addy Rodriguez scored twice on free kicks outside the penalty box as the Monarchs defeated Harvard-Westlake 3-2 to capture the tournament for the first time under longtime coach Matty West.
“There’s a first for everything,” West, in his 25th season, said with a smile. “This was an impressive accomplishment. The girls just worked really hard, overcame some big obstacles and they really put it together when we needed it.”
In improving to 10-0-3, Mater Dei took a 3-2 lead against Harvard-Westlake (5-2-3) late in the first, five-minute overtime period.
Labuschagne, a forward who is committed to Rice, drew the penalty as she dribbled into the box after taking a pass from Addi Doria.
Harvard-Westlake was whistled for tripping and Labuschagne followed by netting her second consecutive game-winning goal.
“She hurt her ankle last game,” Mater Dei midfielder Kendra Hansen said of Labuschagne, who scored in a 1-0 win against Los Alamitos in the semifinals Tuesday. “When she got fouled, her ankle was throbbing. … Big props to her (for scoring). Big props to Addy.”
“This is our fourth game in three days,” Hansen added, “so it takes a lot of (will) to win.”
Hansen, a member of the U.S. under-17 national team, drew free kicks in the first and second half that Rodriguez scored on to give Mater Dei leads.
In the 21st minute, the left-footed Rodriguez blasted a low, free kick from just outside the penalty box into the far corner for a 1-0 lead.
After Harvard-Westlake’s Zoe Piper tied the score just before halftime on a counterattack, Hansen drew another free kick just outside the box in the third minute of the second half.
Rodriguez, who is committed to Colorado State, followed by bending a shot into the near-side upper corner.
“I haven’t scored two free kicks in a row in a game,” said Rodriguez, who plays outside back. “I was thankful to help out my team.”
“(And) thank goodness for (Hansen),” she added. “She always draws (free kicks).”
Harvard-Westlake hung tough. Freshman Amada Rodriguez scored in the middle of the second half after the Monarchs failed to clear the ball.
Mater Dei goalie Jojo Conn made a diving save moments later on a shot by Piper. The North Dakota State committed senior added another save against Amada Rodriguez as the teams pushed toward overtime.
Early in the first overtime, Harvard-Westlake goalie Sasha Selvaggio soared to narrowly punch out a lofted shot by Mater Dei’s Sophia Di Gerlando.
“I thought it was a pretty even game and (I) am very proud of our girls for the quality of their play and their competitive spirit,” Harvard-Westlake coach Richard Simms said. “Credit to Mater Dei for some wonderful free kicks.”
Mater Dei, the reigning CIF-SS Division 1 champion, opened the tournament with a loss in penalty kicks against Fairmont Prep. The Monarchs bounced back to beat Edison 2-1 on a goal by Hansen.
“This means a lot,” West said of winning the Excalibur. “It is a collection of some really competitive teams ramping up for season. This is just a really good indicator on what you’re capable of doing.”
Mater Dei opens Trinity League play against Orange Lutheran on Jan. 15.