Mustangs shut out Lightning

Costa Mesa scores three times in the first half, defeats previously unbeaten Sage Hill.COSTA MESA -- The Costa Mesa High girls’ soccer team came to iron out their technique before league play. Sage Hill came to see what level of play it would need for league.

Both missions were accomplished, as Costa Mesa won, 3-0, in a nonleague game against previously unbeaten Sage Hill on Friday.

Sharon Fraser, Alaina Avalos and Jasmin Day each scored to give the Mustangs (2-2-1) a 3-0 lead by halftime. In the net, goalkeeper Katie Finn shut out the Lightning, making one save.

Sage Hill (3-1) had two opportunities to cut into the Mustangs’ lead late in the second half. The first, a shot by Kellee Kim went high and deflected out of bounds off the crossbar. Kim’s second shot went wide left of the goal after she beat a Mustangs defender.

Costa Mesa Coach Dan Johnston said he was pleased with his team’s result.

“Our goal was to get the girls running,” Johnston said. “We just need to get running, passing and working on our 50/50 balls.”

“The defense is starting to gel, they are covering for each other well and are playing very aware,” Johnston added.

Sage Hill Coach Amy Ray said she was proud of her team’s performance, particularly in holding Costa Mesa scoreless in the second half.

“The exposure to such a talented team will help us when we play teams in our division,” Ray said.

The Lightning (3-1) will continue their tour of the large schools Tuesday at Corona del Mar. Costa Mesa (2-2-1) will open Golden West League play against neighboring Estancia on Tuesday at Orange Coast College.

Nonleague

Costa Mesa 3, Sage Hill 0

Score by Quarters