San Diego Section Field Hockey : Unbeaten Serra Blanks Vista, Closes In on 7th Title in Row

SAN DIEGO — Serra High School, winner of the last six San Diego Section field hockey championships, took its first step toward No. 7 Tuesday by beating Vista, 3-0, in the first round of the playoffs.

The top-seeded Conquistadors ran their record to 18-0; Vista finished at 12-8.

Cherie Freddie, Serra’s leading scorer, had a first-half goal. Kris Fillat and Tori Graff added goals in the second half.

Serra will play Torrey Pines Thursday in the semifinals. Fallbrook and Bishop’s play in the other semifinal match.

In other first-round action Tuesday:

Torrey Pines 2, Mira Mesa 0--Jaime Harker and Pam Paymard scored second-half goals as the No. 2 Falcons (12-4) beat Mira Mesa (10-9) at Torrey Pines. Sara Olsen assisted on the scores.

Fallbrook 2, San Marcos 0--In a battle of the two teams that tied for second place in the North County League, Fallbrook (14-5) scored a goal in each half to win at San Pasqual (11-6). Beth Bounarati and Chris Machado scored.

Bishop’s 3, San Marcos 1--The second-seeded Knights (13-6) scored three goals in the first 16 minutes, then held on to win at home. Theresa Howell scored for San Marcos (12-8) in the second half.