Hannah Koper scored five goals and Riley Heiduk added four to power San Marcos to a 12-7 win over visiting Ventura that clinched third place in the Channel League and a CIF playoff berth.
“I’m proud of our team,” San Marcos coach Chuckie Roth said. “We’ve overcome obstacles. It’s been a long process and today we showed hard work pays off.”
The Royals used an effective power play to build a 9-3 lead after three periods.
“We were 0-for-7 the last time on our 6-on-5s and snuck out a win in overtime,” Roth said of the first meeting against Ventura. “Today, we scored 4 of 6 on the power play, including two in the first period.”
Ventura was still within striking distance at halftime, trailing 4-2. But Koper put the Cougars away in the third period with four goals.
“She just opened it up,” Roth said.
He added that Heiduk rose to the occasion in the big game.
“Riley was a big game changer,” he said.
Roth also lauded the play of Natalie Chilton, Ashley Wagner and goalie Jenna Phreaner.
“it was a collective team effort,” said Roth.
The Royals (3-4 in league) finish the regular season at home Friday against Buena.
Ventura…1 1 1 4 — 7
San Marcos…3 1 5 3 — 12
Goals: V—McCaslin 3, Powner 3, Arner 1. SM—Hannah Koper 5, Riley Heiduk 4, Haile Johnson 3. Saves—SM: Phreaner 13, 3 steals.
