Sonoma Valley Girls Soccer's Hopes Dashed In Round 1 Playoff Loss

SONOMA VALLEY, CA — Sonoma Valley High School's girls' varsity soccer team made it to the regional playoffs, but its hopes of a post-season were quickly dashed.

Sacred Heart Prep shut out the visiting Sonoma Valley Dragons in the first round of the CIF NorCal Girls Soccer Championships Division IV, held Tuesday in Atherton.

Sonoma Valley struggled from the opening whistle as Sacred Heart kept the Dragons away from the goal, not allowing any up-close opportunities until Brianna Jrasek attempted a header late in the 40-minute first half.

Meanwhile, the Gators kept swinging the ball to the wing, then centering to the front of the goal with four of their goals hitting the net from the 10- to 15-yard range. Sacred Heart's Grace Rocha seized an opportunity as Sonoma's goalie blocked the first attempt shot but lost control of the ball as she fell to the ground, providing Rocha a tap-in shot and giving the Gators a 3-0 lead at the half.

Sonoma Valley put up a fight after the half but could not break away for any strong shots against the more experienced Atherton team, which fielded seven seniors to defeat the Dragon roster of three seniors and four freshman.

The Dragons' loss signaled the end of the team's six-game winning streak, dropping Sonoma Valley's record down to 10-9 for the season.

As for Sacred Heart Prep, the Gators have been on a roll lately and showed no signs of slowing down. After shutting the Soquel High School Knights out 3-0 in a semifinal match Thursday, the Gators meet Fresno Christian for the regional championship game this Saturday.