Girls’ soccer: Sunshine League title within reach for Marlborough

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When I spoke to Marlborough Coach David Collicutt about Saturday’s 3-0 victory over Immaculate Heart, he didn’t seem all that excited to be one win away from the Sunshine League title.

Being the inquisitive type, I had to ask why and his response was rather amusing: ‘We’ve still got a fly in the ointment.’

He was referring to Marlborough’s final game against Ramona Convent, a team that tied the Mustangs 1-1 in their first tussle. Much is at stake in Thursday’s rematch, particularly with Notre Dame Academy poised to snatch the crown away should Marlborough stumble. The rivalry between those schools is as competitive as any in Southern California.

‘In my nine years here we’ve never beaten them [Notre Dame Academy] by more than one goal in league and vice versa,’ Collicutt said. ‘We won 1-0 and 3-2 this season, but that tie with Ramona is looming large.’

Despite getting the better of the archrival Regals this season, Marlborough lost one game and tied the other against third-place Marymount, which in turn lost twice to Notre Dame Academy. All three teams are ranked in the Southern Section Division V poll.

‘This is one of the most competitive leagues in CIF,’ Collicutt said. ‘I mean, Notre Dame has won two section championships in the last five years and both times they finished third in league. Maybe this year it’s our turn.’

Now if only the Mustangs can get rid of that fly in the ointment.

-- Steve Galluzzo

-- Image from www.sidyboysfoolin.com