Mater Dei girls dominate in Trinity opener

SANTA ANA - After a preseason filled with several close matches, the Mater Dei girls soccer team opened Trinity League play in dominant fashion Tuesday.

Senior midfielder Nicole Depuy, freshman defender Maddie Bauer and senior midfielder Lainey Prioleau each scored one goal as the Monarchs defeated Orange Lutheran, 3-1, in the league opener for both teams at Mater Dei.

“I was really encouraged with the girls passing, combinations and rhythm,” said Monarchs coach Matty West. “I feel like our confidence is growing and that we’re getting better."

The four-time defending league champion Monarchs (6-3-5 overall) tallied their most goals in a match since a season-opening victory, 5-2, over Irvine on Nov. 30.

“I think the girls are embracing the challenge and are committed to defending the title,” said West.

The Monarchs were on the attack early and often in the first half. They put four shots on goal in the first 10 minutes of the match and had several other runs into the attacking third.

The offensive pressure finally yielded a goal near the midway point of the half. Depuy took a pass from senior forward Marta Tena in the middle of the box and curled a shot around the Lancers defense and into the right corner of the net for a 1-0 lead.

The Monarchs increased the advantage in the 26th minute of the half. Bauer corralled a rebound off a Corey Tobin save and drilled a shot into the back of the net for the first goal of her high school career.

Behind sophomore midfielder Kristen Bailey-Yoo and senior midfielder Amanda Freels, the Lancers began to attack late in the half but were unable to score. Mater Dei took a 2-0 advantage into the intermission.

The Monarchs increased the lead in the 14th minute of the half, as Prioleau sent a shot to the far post that hit the post and ricocheted into the net.

Mater Dei threatened several other times in the half, but Tobin (17 saves) prevented any more damage.

Orange Lutheran (1-12-2) scored its first goal in four matches in the final minute of regulation. Sophomore midfielder Darion Podmajersky put home a shot off a corner kick from sophomore midfielder Miranda Valdez.

“Our goal was to continue playing the entire match, and they didn’t give up after the first half,” said Lancers coach Steve Mattoon.