Cate’s defense held on as long as it could against top-seeded St. Margaret’s on Tuesday.
But the visitors from Orange County had just too much firepower and speed up front and broke through with four goals in a 13-minute span en route to a 6-1 win over the Rams in a CIF Division 6 second-round playoff game.
St. Margaret’s struck quickly, scoring in the first minute of the game. The Tartans kept the pressure on, but Cate’s defense held together.
“Our defense rallied from this initial set back and played as well as they have all season for the rest of the half,” Cate coach Lisa Holmes said. “Despite some runs at the goal, St. Margaret’s talented front line was shut down by some impressive team work and hustle. Senior sweeper Savannah Jones was especially tough in the middle.”
St. Margaret’s struck again early in the second half before the Rams responded with a goal.
Emily Nguyen popped a ball just over the goalkeeper’s head to make a 2-1 game.
The Tartans used their speed advantage and erupted for four goals on counter attacks.
“There was never a moment, however, when this team stopped working hard,” Holmes said. “Right down to the final minutes we were pushing for another goal. There were tears at the end of the game and it was hard to pack up those balls and leave the field after all the fun we have had this season.
“David Wood and I feel honored to have coached such devoted and hard working young women.”
