Newport Harbor advance in playoffs

Joseph Boo

COSTA MESA - In physics terms, resistance can be overcome by

exerting more force.

Newport Harbor High’s field hockey team put that theory to use by

maintaining pressure on visiting Santiago and ultimately winning, 1-0, in

the first round of the Tournament of Champions at Harper Community

Center.

For the Sailors, the solid offensive showing was much needed, with the

team failing to score in three previous games.

“We weren’t sure what to expect,” Newport Harbor Coach Sharon Wolfe said,

“because in the last three or four games, we were in a scoring drought.”

Because of that, I was surprised with how we dominated the first half.”

The drought ended three minutes into the second half, when Bitta Jansma

knocked the ball in after a mad scramble in front of the goal.

Newport Harbor had opportunities for many more goals, but Cavaliers’

goalie Jesus Gonzalez turned in a phenomenal game. She kicked, blocked

and ran down countless Newport Harbor scoring chances.

Nevertheless, the Sailors had their share of good looks. A couple of

shots went across the mouth of the goal, two shots went wide by inches,

and Gonzalez made four great saves, including a block of the first shot

of the game. She ended up with 11 saves on 16 Newport Harbor shots.

On the other side, Newport Harbor goalie Susan Lear faced just three

shots on goal. She didn’t make her first save until the game was almost

over. Santiago finally started to threaten somewhat toward the end of the

game.

The most crucial play came on Santiago’s first penalty corner late in the

game. As the Cavaliers were setting up, Sarah Green came flying in and

knocked the ball away.

“That was a huge play by Sarah,” Wolfe said. “She timed it just right,

and she came in right on time.”

Newport Harbor will meet Marina in the semifinal Thursday, with the site

to be determined by a coin flip today.