“Confidence definitely has grown from experience,” said Money, who also scored twice from the outside in an 8-3 semifinal win over Foothill earlier Wednesday. “Last year, I didn’t have as much confidence because I was the younger player. But this year it’s really grown from summer, and all the experience in the night league in fall, to now.”
Seniors Elise Molnar and Leslee Kaczmarek each scored once for CdM, Kaczmarek’s goal breaking a 3-3 tie in the fourth quarter. After a Newport Harbor foul, Kaczmarek scored bar-in from about eight meters out with 2:44 left.
“I haven’t really been making my shots,” Kaczmarek said. “I prayed, basically, that it would go in, and I was really glad it did. It was really exciting. It gave us more energy and just pumped us up way more to finish off hard.”
Money then added her final goal on a power-play strike, the ball deflecting off a Sailors defender and in with 1:35 to go.
The Sailors (5-3) never led the championship game, but battled throughout. They came back from a 3-1 halftime deficit after a six-on-five strike from senior Kathryn Manderino, then another player-advantage goal from junior Katie Jackson with 4:34 left in the game.
Manderino said Newport Harbor was focusing on stopping CdM’s strong set player, senior Victoria Kennedy, but CdM’s outside shooters responded. It was key to the Sea Kings’ success, along with strong defense anchored by senior goalie Kate Baldoni. Last year’s Newport-Mesa Co-Player of the Year made 12 saves, including one on a penalty shot.
“Chaney always says that if people drop off us, then we can shoot from the outside,” Money said. “But, if they press, then we can shoot from set. We have such a well-balanced team this year.”
