Sports
GIRLS SOCCER: Mountain View Blanks Paly
Spartans score twice in three-minute span; continue to lead De Anza with one week left to play.
Mountain View 2, Palo Alto 0
The Star: Mountain View senior Kirsten Belinsky usually does the giving-- the speedy senior leads the team with 10 assists so far this season—but on this afternoon the dangerous forward decided to ice the game with a goal of her own. Belinsky’s goal in the 24th minute put Mt. View ahead 2-0. The Spartans won the Santa Clara Valley Athletic League De Anza Division contest by the same score Monday afternoon at Mt. View High.
The Turning Point: A three-minute surge midway through the first half was all that first place Mt. View (13-2-3, 7-1-2 De Anza) needed to fend off league rival Palo Alto. Goals from freshman speedster Erica Higa and senior Kirsten Belinsky put the home team ahead and they never looked back en route to the Spartans league leading seventh De Anza win.
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The Quote: "We wanted to get out to a fast start." —Mt. View forward Kirsten Belinsky said about the quick strike Spartans attack midway through the first half. “It would have been nice to get another one in the second half, but it was still good to get a lead early and win the game.”
With only two games remaining in the regular season, Belinsky has high hopes for this Spartans bunch going forward.
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“I think Simon (head coach Simon Cook) is definitely expecting two more wins,” Belinsky said. “Finishing first place in league is the goal. Teams can’t focus on just one player with us. We have a lot options to go to on offense.”
What's Next? Mt. View plays at Homestead High on Friday in Cupertino. The Spartans finish off the regular season next week at Palo Alto High.
Bottom Line: It was another impressive showing by the strong Spartans group. Seniors Tavi Crum, Elizabeth Brown and Kirsten Belinsky dominated control of the ball and kept the heat on the Paly defense all afternoon long. With contributions from dangerous junior Emily Andrew and freshman Erica Higa as well against Paly, Mt. View is clicking at the right time with the Central Coast Section playoffs just around the corner. Junior goalie Sarah Bennett earned the win in net on Monday.
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