Mahler’s two goals lead Pirates to 2-1 win

Steve Virgen

COSTA MESA -- Jaycee Mahler probably couldn’t have planned it any

better.

Mahler, an Orange Coast College sophomore, scored two goals and

led the Pirates to a come-from-behind, 2-1 win over visiting Mt. San

Antonio Friday. What’s more, Mahler, the scoring sensation from

Corona del Mar High, broke OCC’s career scoring mark and now has 35

goals in the 27 games she’s played at Coast.

Her second goal, on a breakaway, came in the final minute, giving

the Pirates the victory in their opener.

“When I woke up this morning I knew I was going to score two,”

said Mahler, who was aware of the record before the game. “I was sort

of shocked because I don’t score early in the season because I have

to get used to the girls I’m playing with.”

Mahler, who scored 33 goals last year to set the school’s

single-season record, surpassed Taylor Yurada, a Newport Harbor High

product, who scored 34 in the 1998-99 span.

“I feel bad (about breaking the record) because Taylor is so

nice,” Mahler said.

Mahler also mentioned OCC Coach Barbara Bond told her to, “go out

and get the record in the first game.”

Bond was not at the game because of other commitments.

Assistant coach Kevin Smith guided the Pirates in their opener. He

was impressed with OCC’s passing and Mt. SAC’s defense, which

included 5-foot-10 sophomore goalkeeper Elizabeth Kirkland, who

recorded seven saves.

“For the first game of the year, I’m sure pleased,” said Smith,

who is also the assistant coach of the OCC men’s soccer team. “(Mt.

SAC) played a smart defense. They must have scouted us or knew about

us because they were ready for our speed. That being said, we still

created a lot of opportunities. We knew if we kept plugging away we

would get a goal.”

The Pirates outshot the Mounties, 11-0, in the scoreless first

half. Sarah Ronquillo’s shot in front of the net was stuffed by

Kirkland in the 20th minute, and Mahler had a shot sail over the net,

in the 23rd minute, and another shot ricocheted off the post in the

43rd minute.

Mt. SAC (1-1), which defeated Ventura, 4-1, Tuesday, came back

strong early in the second half, and scored 14 minutes in, when

Valerie Hutchinson sent a high, looping shot from 35 yards out that

went over Heather Metcalf’s head and into the net.

Metcalf, the OCC sophomore goalie, finished with five saves, all

in the second half, and she received support from sophomore sweeper

Alicia Santiago.

Mahler tied the school career scoring mark, and tied the Mounties,

in the 81st minute, when she guided a ball into the net. Freshman

Vanessa Rocha booted a long ball from near midfield that bounced at

the front of the net, and Mahler jumped at it, spinning, as her back

pushed the ball in.

Mahler displayed speed, aggression and flair, on her second goal.

She outran two defenders on the breakaway, drew the goalie toward her

and fired off a shot in the opposite direction.

The Pirates are at Chaffey on Tuesday.