Boone leads St. Margaret's to Div. 2 South title
ALISO VIEJO - St. Margaret’s girls lacrosse team held off a furious second-half charge by Capistrano Valley to capture a 13-12 victory in the U.S. Lacrosse Division 2 South championship game Thursday evening at Aliso Niguel High.
The Tartans (10-9) move on to the Southern Section Division 2 finals Saturday at 11 a.m. against Cate at Redondo Union.
It marked the second division title for St. Margaret’s. The Tartans won the Division 1 crown in 2008 and went on to the win the Division 1 Southern Section crown.
“The seniors started with a championship and they’re ending with a championship. It was a complete circle for our five seniors and very touching,” St. Margaret’s coach Summer Crabtree said.
Emily Boone, who is bound for USC next year, led St. Margaret’s with eight goals. Alena Riggs added five goals for the Tartans.
“She is one of the most consistent players I have,” Crabtree said of Boone. “I know every time she steps on that field she is going to make a difference. She is one of those players I am going to miss a lot next year. She is definitely our MVP of this game.”
Capistrano Valley was led by Ally Hadley, who had five goals and Riley Eggeman, who scored four goals. Goalie Amanda Guest had 13 saves.
“Those two girls are very special,” Capo Valley coach Ryan Gustafson said.
St. Margaret’s led, 8-5, at halftime and held an 11-8 lead with about 11 minutes remaining in the contest. But Capistrano Valley (15-6) came charging back, cutting the lead to 13-12 with 1:40 left.
The Cougars had a couple shots to tie the game but St. Margaret’s sophomore goalkeeper Julia Alvarez made a couple big stops before the Tartans eventually got the ball back and ran out the clock.
It was a solid finish for a team that is only in its fourth year of existence.
“We fell down early, a couple calls didn’t go our way, but I’m proud of my girls, they fought hard and came back and made a good game out of it,” Gustafson said. “For being 1-14 two seasons ago, I definitely can’t complain about where we’re at right now.
“We’re a very young team and I think the future is bright. It was good to get here and next time, I think we’ll come out on the other side. I’m excited about where Capo lacrosse is going.”
