Serra's Katy Sirota oxymoronically described her goal yesterday as planned spontaneity. Having played alongside Chelsea Burton for so long, Sirota said she “just sort of knew” what Burton was going to do.
Midway through the first half of the section Division II field hockey semifinal at Serra High between the Conquistadors and San Dieguito, Sirota gave her team a 1-0 advantage when Burton slashed through two defenders in front of the net and dished the ball at the last possible moment to Sirota, who finished the play.
Second-seeded Serra went on to a 2-0 victory, setting up a rematch tomorrow at Rancho Bernardo High of last year's Division II final, won by No. 1 Scripps Ranch, a 4-0 winner over Valley Center in yesterday's other semifinal. Serra (19-6) is seeking the school's 16th San Diego Section title.
“Chelsea and I are so used to playing with each other, and even though we practice some things, we also know what the other is thinking,” Sirota said.
Her goal was pivotal because the No. 3 Mustangs were a team many felt could pull an upset.
“It doesn't matter who you play, you always want to score first,” Serra coach Laurie Berger said. “You always want the other team to be in a hole. We know they are a good team and you tend to play with more confidence when you are ahead.”
Serra's forwards and midfielders kept San Dieguito (20-5) pinned on its side of the field for most of the game. The Conquistadors outshot the Mustangs 12-2, holding them to zero short corners while drawing eight – one of which led to Melanie Kahn's goal that sealed the win with 13:51 to play.
“We expected a close game so it was really important to keep them on their half of the field,” said Burton, who assisted on Kahn's goal. “We felt like if we could keep up the pressure then we'd have the advantage.”
San Dieguito goalkeeper Sam Sprau, who entered the game with 16 shutouts, made nine saves.
Kevin Gemmell: (619) 718-5304; kevin.gemmell@uniontrib.com
