GIRLS
paced, physical game; I was expecting a bigger challenge,” Quintana said. “But I think our girls were very focused, particularly the first 20 minutes of the first half. We came out strong.”
The Mustangs (11-1-3 AIA) came into the game averaging more than six goals per AIA contest, but managed just one shot in the first half — though they did have a goal waved off by an offsides call.
“I’m sure because they were the highest-scoring team in 3A that they thought they could score, but I think our defense came out big as far as the movement and stopping (them),” Quintana said. “We weren’t concentrating on any one of their players; we wanted to play good defense as a team, and we were able to do that.
“But the key also in the first half was movement of the ball. We were moving the ball quite a bit, we were successful with our passing, and I think that deflated their attack and they got a little bit frustrated. I’m not sure they expected that.”
Sahuarita finally started creating some chances in the second half, beginning in the 41st minute, when Mustangs sophomore forward Kambria Cash found herself 1-on-1 with YC senior goalie Danisia Ellin. But Ellin made the save, and came up with another one a minute later.
By the next time Ellin was tested — in the 53rd minute — YC (13-0-1 AIA) had extended its lead to a comfortable margin at 5-0 thanks to goals from Camarena in the 48th minute and Leamons in the 50th.
Eight of the 11 shots the Mustangs registered for the game came after they fell behind 5-0, and their lone goal came via Cash in the 69th minute when the score was 6-0.
Leamons finished the game with two goals and two assists, with her second goal coming in the 54th minute on a breakaway.
Camarena completed her hat trick in the 71st minute, putting home a rebound after a Leamons shot on goal.
“I’m surprised (by the margin of victory) because this team was a good technical team and they had a lot of speed up top,” Camarena said. “But our defense did really well by keeping their composure and we did really well by playing up top and just finishing, and I did not expect that.”
YC, which was the 3A state runner-up a year ago, moves on to face No. 5 Anthem Prep in the semifinals Wednesday at Williams Field High School in Gilbert.