The Mission Hills Grizzlies turned in a dominating 8-0 performance against former league opponents Orange Glen on Friday night at Orange Glen. Mission Hills is gearing up for a challenging league season starting in mid-January. Mission Hills will compete in the newly reformed Avocado League with powerhouse schools such as Torrey Pines, La Costa Canyon, Fallbrook and old league foes San Pasqual and Escondido.

The Patriots fought hard and never gave up against Mission Hills, but their young squad (nine freshman and sophomores) was simply outmatched by the Lady Grizzlies, who have four consecutive appearances in the CIF playoffs.

Three-year varsity senior midfielder/forward Kim Leuthe (FC Bratz) turned in a monster performance with two goals and an assist for the Grizzlies. Freshman sensation Allie Hailey (FC San Diego) continued her offensive rampage, as well, narrowly missing a hat trick after having her last goal called back on a questionable handball call.

Junior midfielder Alicia Pena (Carlsbad Lightning) showed her ability to push up and score by posting two goals. Striker Courtney Wood put on a physically dominating display, winning 50-50 balls above the 18 and muscling in two goals despite being surrounded by three defenders. Veteran defender  Kelsey Bancells (RSF Attack), along with second-year varsity sophomore Leia Hanlon (SD Surf) reigning team MVP, continue to anchor a stingy defense for Mission Hills.

Orange Glen’s efforts created a few shots on goal in both the first and second halves. Mission Hills' bookend goalkeepers, Abby Monroe (So Cal Blues) and Maya Matsumoto (FC Heat), combined for five saves, including a beautiful diving save by Matsumoto and a PK save by Monroe. Her performance demonstrates how she has allowed just one goal in 200 minutes.

Next week's games for Mission Hills include an away game at San Marcos on Dec. 17, a home game versus Rancho Buena Vista on Dec. 19, and an alumni contest on Dec. 20 that will feature three college players, including TCU sophomore Katie Taylor (to read more about Taylor, click here).

Friday's Stats

Mission Hills: Goals: Kim Leuthe 2, Allie Hailey 2, Alicia Pena 2, Courtney Wood 2; Assists: Leuthe 1, Wood 1; Saves: Matsumoto 2, Monroe 3.

Orange Glen: Saves: Angie Delgado 3, Janet Lopez 2.

                                                                Grizzlies Ground Out Another Shutout

The Grizzlies faced Valley Center on Wednesday, Dec. 10, in a non-league match up that yielded a 5-0 win for Mission Hills. The Grizzlies took control early and never looked back.

Sophomore Norrie Pablo (San Marcos Matrix) scored from just above the 6 box off of a nice pass from senior right wing Tori Vande Vegte for the 1-0 advantage. Second-year varsity veteran Savanah Vasquez followed with a score from the left side, taking the ball away from a defender and shooting a well placed ball around Jaguar GK Jennifer Sudak.

In spite of the gritty play and team leadership of VC senior Katie Sanger (FC San Diego), there was too much offensive pressure by the Grizzlies. Late in the first quarter, Mission Hills received a penalty kick and three-year defensive starter Hannah Bass (Poway Vaqueros) converted the spot kick for the Grizzlies to give them a 3-0 cushion at the break.

The Lady Jaguars continued to fight hard for a few scoring opportunities with shots from Hannah Giaconnelli and captains Liza Wright and Sanger. Unfortunately for Valley Center, GK Monroe was there to stop them by tallying four saves to cap off the shutout that junior GK Matsumoto started in the first half.

The Lady Grizzlies added two more goals in the second half. The first was another PK converted by Pablo; the second came off a roping shot by Hailey (FC San Diego). Hailey's goal was set up by a booming punt by Monroe, giving Monroe her first assist of the season.

Wednesday's Stats

Mission Hills: Goals: Norrie Pablo 2, Savannah Vasquez 1, Hannah Bass 1, Allie Hailey 1; Assists: Tori Vande Vegte 1, Abby Monroe 1; Saves: Maya Matsumoto 2, Abby Monroe.

Valley Center: Jennifer Sudak (seven saves)

Tags: , Abby Monroe, Alicia Pena, Allie Hailey, Avocado League, Carlsbad Lightning, CIF, Courtney Wood, Escondido HS, Fallbrook HS, FC Bratz, FC Heat, FC San Diego, Hannah Bass, Hannah Giaconnelli, Jennifer Sudak, Katie Sanger, Katie Taylor, Kelsey Bancells, Kim Leuthe, La Costa Canyon, Leia Hanlon, Lisa Wright, Maya Matsumoto, Mission Hills HS, Norrie Pablo, Orange Glen, Poway Vaqueros, Rancho Buena Vista, RSF Attack, San Marcos, San Marcos Matrix, San Pasqual HS, Savanah Vasquez, So Cal Blues, Surf, TCU, Tori Vande Vegte, Torrey Pines, Valley Center