Youth serves Adams well

COSTA MESA ? Alba Barrios is making the most out of a unique situation.

A third-grader on the Adams Elementary girls fifth- and sixth-grade Silver Division team, Barrios is happy with her new surroundings.

Barrios scored the first goal in Adams' 3-0 Daily Pilot Cup victory over Victoria at Costa Mesa High on Friday.

"My favorite part was when my friends scored a goal and they were really happy," Barrios said. "I got to meet new friends and they start to get to know me, so I have new friends to play with at school."

Genesis Guevera assisted on Barrios' goal.

"We're a good team because everyone tries their best and we have good sportsmanship," Guevera said.

Evelyn Lugo took a penalty kick for Adams after a handball in the goal box. She scorched it into the upper-left corner to give Adams a 2-0 lead.

"I was nervous," Lugo said. "I thought I would miss it. I just kicked it hard."

Emily Gruber said it was her favorite moment of the game.

"When Evelyn took the penalty kick, I was excited because she made it," Gruber said.

Shantel Romen scored the third goal of the game after stealing an errant pass and weaving through defenders toward the goal.

"I was in a club before and they showed me moves and I used them," Romen said. "I tried to put force in my shot."

Adams' midfielder Evunyy Martinez said the key to the team's success was preserving the shutout.

"I like playing defense," Martinez said. "Defense brings championships."

Alondray Butler, Marissa Lamerton, Nina Anderly, Alejandra Delgado, Paola Palacios and Evelyn Barrios all helped keep the shut out in tact for Adams with strong defensive play.

Sierra Dunn-Ochoa made seven saves for Victoria. Esma Dukha, Veronica Garcia, Kiana Dominguez, Amy Heil, Melissa Hernandez, Danielle Silfa and Julyana Bello kept up a steady attack on Adams' goal.

Maggie Kirakosian, Ali Miller, Nayeli Guetierrez and Paula Sanchez played strong defense for Victoria, which doesn't have any sixth-grade students.

Adams advanced to the quarterfinals today at 1:30 p.m. on Costa Mesa High's No. 2 field against Andersen.