ALISO VIEJO Despite committing penalty after penalty, Dana Hills' perseverance helped the Dolphins earn their first victory of the season. 

Running back Brett Giesen rushed 24 times for 113 yards and a touchdown, and the Dolphins survived 14 penalties to defeat the Aliso Niguel Wolverines, 21-3, in a South Coast League game Friday at Aliso Niguel. 

"This win was huge for us,"  Dolphins coach Armando Gonzalez said. "We've worked hard, and it was a long time coming." 

The Dolphins (1-5-1, 1-0-1) got on the scoreboard midway through the first period, as quarterback Sean Schroeder finished a seven-play, 62-yard drive with 26-yard touchdown pass to receiver McKay Smith. 

Giesen led the Dolphins back to the end zone midway through the second quarter, accounting for 28 of the 34 yards on the nine-play drive.

Mike Bowlin's 30-yard field goal was the only scoring for the Wolverines (1-6, 0-2).

Contact the writer: jeichelberger@ocregister.com