SUNSET GIRLS SOCCER: Brooks nets winner in overtime, sends Centennial to semifinals

A sudden-death overtime can rattle even the most seasoned athlete.

But it didn't bother Centennial freshman Marcella Brooks on Monday.

Brooks scored in the 14th minute of overtime to lift the Bulldogs to a 3-2 win over Shadow Ridge in the Division I Sunset Region girls soccer tournament at Bettye Wilson Park.

"She just kept completely composed," Centennial coach Kristina Kasten said. "She had the ball given to her perfectly. She was able to drive it up, and instead of being worried and losing composure, she just kept her mind focused and she was able to make the shot and it was great."

Brooks took control of the ball on the left side of the penalty area, made a move around a defender and banged a left-footed shot home to give the Bulldogs (11-8) the win.

Shadow Ridge (10-7-1) had started the overtime as the more aggressive team, getting three scoring opportunities in a three-minute span, but the Mustangs were unable to net the winner.

"Shadow Ridge is a really tough team," Kasten said. "They've got great girls. Their wings are super fast. It was definitely a challenge for our defense to hold them off. But we were very excited to get that win in the end."

Centennial struck first when Kellsey Meechudhone tucked a 40-yard free kick just under the crossbar in the 33rd minute. The Bulldogs had a strong wind at their backs in the first half, but managed just three shots.

Shadow Ridge tied it three minutes in to the second half when Centennial goalkeeper Addison Riddle deflected a long free kick by Adriana Mendez and Taylore Simmons scored from point-blank range.

Centennial responded quickly, with McKenna Stratton controlling a pass from Victoria Cera and drilling a left-footed shot to the far post in the 46th minute.

The Mustangs evened the score seven minutes later when Cheyenne Banks slipped a pass to Simmons with a defender on her back.

Simmons was able to turn and pass the ball to the far post where Samantha Villa knocked it home to tie the game.

Centennial faces Southwest League champion Palo Verde (13-4-1) in the semifinals at 6 p.m. on Wednesday at Bettye Wilson.

"They're a tough team," said Kasten, whose team lost 4-0 to the Panthers in the Sunset semifinals last season. "But this year we could have a different chance at it. We've got to respect them as players, because they're a strong team, but we've just got to come out strong as well."

Palo Verde 4, Desert Oasis 0 — The Panthers scored three second-half goals to pull away from the Diamondbacks (8-7-2).

Noah Johnson took control of a loose ball in the penalty area and scored in the 45th minute to push Palo Verde's lead to 2-0. The Panthers continued to control the ball in the second half, outshooting Desert Oasis 13-1.

Avery Jacobson placed a 35-yard free kick into the upper right corner of the net in the 64th minute to make it 3-0, and Macee Barlow added a goal in the 76th minute for the final margin.

Hannah Gunderson scored in the 11th minute off an assist from Alex Roberto, and Palo Verde led 1-0 at the half.

Savannah Ornelas got the shutout for the Panthers.

Bishop Gorman 4, Cimarron-Memorial 1 — Isabel Rolley scored twice to lead the Gaels over the Spartans.

Arlie Jones and Hannah Borgel each added a goal for Gorman. Jensen Garcia added two assists for the Gaels (15-2), who play Arbor View (17-1-1) in the semifinals at 4 p.m. on Wednesday.

Jazmin Centeno scored for Cimarron (11-7-1).

Arbor View 9, Legacy 0 — Hannah Ferrara had three goals and an assist as the Aggies routed the Longhorns.

Sierra Vicente added two goals and an assist, and Bailee Davis, Melanie Ara, Deja Erickson and Kenna Larosee each added a goal for Arbor View.

Alyssa Larkin had three assists for the Aggies.

Haylee Niemann was in goal for the shutout for Arbor View.

Legacy finished 8-9-1.