FIELD HOCKEY TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS : Santiago Championship String Ends at Two

Santiago’s bid for a third consecutive Tournament of Champions high school field hockey title was denied Saturday when Colton defeated the Cavaliers, 2-1, in the championship game at Bonita High.

Colton, second seeded in the eight-team tournament to decide the Southern Section title, scored two goals in the first half: the first by Michelle Lopez seven minutes into the game and the second by Darla Sanchez, whose goal with 11 minutes left in the half was the final goal scored.

Teresa Puskas scored nine minutes into the game to tie the score for top-seeded Santiago (24-1).

“They’re good, they’re fast, they’re aggressive and we didn’t keep up with them,” Santiago Coach Kit Snider said.

Four Santiago players were named to the all-tournament team: Leanne Stoneking, a senior midfielder; Espy Monroy, a senior forward; Stephanie Higham, a senior forward, and Wendy Nguyen, a junior midfielder. Lorena Ramirez, a senior midfielder, was an honorable mention selection.