Sunset Region girls: Marcella Brooks, Quincy Bonds team up to lift Centennial

It’s safe to say Centennial’s best offensive players were ready for the games that matter the most.

Marcella Brooks scored twice and assisted on all three goals in Quincy Bonds’ hat trick as the Bulldogs’ girls soccer team rolled to a 5-0 victory over Desert Oasis in the opening round of the Sunset Region playoffs at Bettye Wilson Park on Wednesday.

Centennial (10-7-1) advances to play five-time defending state champion Arbor View (14-4) at 6 p.m. Friday. The Aggies won both matches in the regular season.

“It’s unbelievable,” Brooks said of the offensive showing. “My technical ability and (Bonds’) speed, it’s like one mega-player.”

Brooks drew a free kick in the fourth minute just outside the box, converted, then shifted to helper mode. She assisted the next three goals, all by Bonds, including two perfect passes through the defense that led to breakaway opportunities.

“We were expecting a really tough game today, so coming out and putting three in really boosted my confidence,” Bonds said. “We’ll see what happens in our next couple of games.”

On the third, Brooks booted the ball toward the Desert Oasis keeper, who Bonds beat to the ball and deked before tapping it into the empty cage. It was the fourth Centennial goal, and it deflated the Diamondbacks’ (12-6-2) bench.

“She’s my best friend, we connect really well,” Bonds said. “Our chemistry on the field also, it’s a really big thing out there.”

Brooks added the game’s fifth goal for good measure. Addison Riddle recorded 10 saves in the shutout.

Bishop Gorman 3, Faith Lutheran 0 — At Bettye Wilson Park, the Gaels scored three second-half goals to beat the Crusaders in a Sunset Region quarterfinal match.

Jaden Terrana had a pair of assists for the Gaels (19-2-2), who will face Palo Verde (14-3) at 4 p.m. Friday

Bishop Gorman’s Jasmine Anaya, Gianna Gourley and Caitlyn Rueca netted the goals. Hannah Lee made two saves for the Gaels in 65 minutes of work in net, and Kirsten Kircher finished the shutout.

The Crusaders ended their season 10-8-2.

Palo Verde 7, Sierra Vista 0 — At Bettye Wilson Park, Olivia Packer had two goals and an assist in the Panthers’ victory over the Mountain Lions.

Carlee Gimmona scored twice for the Panthers, and Madison Hernandez had three assists. Reighna Werner, Sloan Nelson and Kassidy Sayles also scored for Palo Verde.

The Mountain Lions ended the year 8-8-2.

Arbor View 8, Bonanza 0 — At Bettye Wilson Park, Jolianna Meyers had four goals and an assist as the Aggies routed the Bengals in the Sunset Region quarterfinals.

Deja Erickson recorded a hat trick, and Hannah Ferrara had four assists for the Aggies. Neally Peters had a goal for Arbor View, and Krystin Cooper and Jillian Hudson split the shutout.

The Bengals finished the season 8-11-1.