McLeod helps the Slammers claim title

Marina High graduate Sarah McLeod played a pivotal role for the

Slammers FC of Newport Beach in their march to the California Youth

Soccer Assn. South under-18 State Cup championship.

McLeod brought the Slammers to life by setting up a tying goal

with five minutes left in the title match against the San Diego Surf

and the Slammers got the game-winner five minutes later in a 2-1

victory at Cal Poly Pomona.

The victory sends the Slammers to Honolulu to compete at the 2003

U.S. Youth Soccer Far West Regionals.

The tournament begins Sunday and concludes Saturday, June 28.

McLeod’s launched an long throw-in from just inside the corner

flag which was headed into the net by Paige Janes.

Two minutes later, Katie Coppoletta scored the winning goal by

knocking in a loose ball in front of the Surf’s net.

McLeod, who graduated on June 11, chose not to have a soccer

career at Marina although she filled in for seven games last winter

when the Vikings’ roster was depleted due to a lack of players or

injury.

Instead, she starred for four years on the basketball court. This

past season, the four-year varsity letter winner led the Vikings in

scoring and rebounding and was named the Vikings’ co-Most Valuable

Player.

She participated in the Orange County All-Star Girls’ Basketball

game held in the spring.

In 2000, McLeod had been named Marina’s freshman track and field

athlete of the year.

McLeod, who recently was inducted into the Marina Athletic Hall of

Fame, will play soccer at Long Beach State next season.