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REDLANDS Sunny Hills coach Jeff Gordon knew what his team would be facing Tuesday in the CIF-SS Division 2 girls soccer playoffs against Redlands East Valley.

Two years ago, the Lancers defeated an REV team loaded with young talent, and Gordon expected a tough rematch at Citrus Valley High.

“We were ready to play defense today,” Gordon said.

Both teams defended well, as neither allowed a conventional goal. The difference in Sunny Hills’ 1-0 victory came down to a penalty kick converted by senior captain Kendall Hart in the first half.

Sunny Hills (20-3-4) will host Moorpark in the quarterfinals on Friday.

The Wildcats (15-5-2) entered the game averaging just over three goals per match and hadn’t been shut out since Dec. 27. They played with increased urgency over the final 40 minutes, but continued to be frustrated by Sunny Hills’ style of play.

“They just hit the ball 50 yards upfield every single play, which makes it really hard to get anything going,” Wildcats coach Daniel Graff said. “They live for the set piece, which slows the game down.”

REV came out firing in the second half, having hard shots by Laney Carroll and Brenna Dolen field blocked early in the half. Dolen’s attempt caromed to Sierra Felt-Morales standing near the corner of the goal, but her follow-up was saved by the goalkeeper.

“If they’re not going to play through the midfield then there’s no reason for us to sit back,” Graff said. “We cut the girls loose and let them go forward and play with a lot more confidence.”

Sunny Hills picked up its 19th shutout of the season.

“Defense won this game,” Gordon said. “That’s what we’re built to do. We high-pressure, we have 11 defenders on the field, everyone is committed to winning and earning the shutout.”

The Lancers nearly netted a second goal in the second half when they connected on a header off a corner kick in the 58th minute, but it was waved off by a foul.

Sunny Hills had a pair of direct free kicks deep in Wildcats territory late in the second half, with goalkeeper Marina Medeiros making a quick-handed save on the latter by Kyana Chhoenung.