SUNSET GIRLS SOCCER: Megan Donnelly’s overtime goal gives Faith Lutheran win

Faith Lutheran’s Megan Donnelly saw an opportunity as the Crusaders took on Desert Oasis on Wednesday, and she took advantage.

Donnelly’s 22-yard shot floated over Samantha Gato’s outstretched arms in overtime to give Faith Lutheran a 2-1 upset victory over the Diamondbacks in the Class 4A Sunset Region quarterfinals at Bettye Wilson Park.

“I noticed she was a little short, so I knew she couldn’t quite jump as high, so I knew the upper view was the way to go,” said Donnelly, who scored both goals for Faith Lutheran. “I was just thinking don’t miss. I took the shot and from there everything was just slow motion.”

Maggie Shuirman, who assisted on the game winner, said she knew Donnelly could make that shot because of her strong leg and the number of times she’s seen her blast from that range.

“It was golden goal, so all I was thinking was get it to the center of the field and score, just get a shot off,” Shuirman said. “I saw her open and she just took a great shot and finished it.”

Donnelly’s overtime goal eliminated the Southwest League’s No. 2 seed, and gave the Crusaders (10-9-4) a spot in the semifinals where they will meet four-time defending state champion Arbor View (16-0-2) at 4 p.m. Thursday.

The Crusaders got on the board early, when Donnelly took a pass from Isabella Gutierrez and snuck it in over Gato three minutes into the game. From there, Gato was stellar in quieting Faith Lutheran’s offense until the winner.

Desert Oasis’ goal came from Miah Strellnauer at the 50th minute, as she poked it in after Ashley Wood’s shot caromed off the crossbar.

“We’ve been playing the top division schools every single year, because my philosophy is we want to play the very best competition to bring the best out of us,” said Faith Luthern coach Steve Morrill, whose squad moved up from Class 3A (then Division I-A) to Class 4A this season. “I always felt we could compete at this level, so this season has been a good chance to see where we’re at and prove we belong at this level.”

The Crusaders certainly proved they belong down the stretch, when Desert Oasis (16-4-1) kept the pressure on Faith Lutheran goalkeeper Rebekah Lescenski, who, along with her defenders, tightened things to thwart the Diamondbacks’ effort.

Desert Oasis (16-4-1) finished with 12 shots on goal, but it was Lescenski’s diving save at the 66-minute mark that ignited her teammates. Nine minutes later it was defender Megan Sonerholm making a sliding save to keep the game tied.

“My defenders probably have as many saves as I do right now,” Lescenski said. “We’ve all become such a tight unit in the back, the five of us have become very close. It’s been really cool to see how they’ve been able to cover my back and I’ve been able to cover theirs. That was a scary game and the adrenaline was definitely pumping.”

Arbor View 8, Clark 0 — Deja Erickson had three goals and one assist to lead the Aggies over the Chargers in a Sunset quarterfinal.

Jolie Meyers added two goals and two assists, and Sierra Vicente and Hannah Ferrara each had a goal and an assist. Kenna Larosee added a goal for Arbor View.

Goalkeeper Haylee Niemann made three saves to record the shutout.

Clark finished 8-13-3.

Bishop Gorman 4, Shadow Ridge 2 — Arlie Jones scored two goals to lead the Gaels past the Mustangs in the Sunset quarterfinals.

Marissa Garcia and Jaden Terrana also scored for Gorman (21-2-1), which will face Palo Verde in the semifinals at 6 p.m. Thursday.

Samantha Villa and Camryn Grant each scored a goal for Shadow Ridge (8-7-3).

Palo Verde 10, Sierra Vista 0 — Jadyn Nogues had four goals and two assists as the Panthers routed the Mountain Lions in a Sunset quarterfianl.

Macee Barlow added two goals and two assists, and Sloan Nelson had two goals and one assist for Palo Verde (15-2-4).

Holly Lindholm and Madison Hernandez each had one goal, and Kailee Barnhard made three saves to earn the shutout.

Sierra Vista finished 8-6-2.