The WCAL dominates the CCS open division finals once again with three of the four teams coming from the West Catholic Athletic League. A heavyweight league rematch between league rivals highlights the girls finals.
In the boys final, however, Branham looks to continue its Cinderella run through the playoffs while Bellarmine looks to claim its first ever CCS open division crown. Both games will be played at Buck Shaw Stadium on the campus of Santa Clara University.
Girls : #4 St. Ignatius vs. #6 Archbishop Mitty @ 5 pm
The top two teams in the WCAL and in the section will meet for the third time this season with St. Ignatius holding the advantage over the Mitty Monarchs with a win and a draw. The first game between the two teams took place in San Jose in which the Wildcats took a lead through junior Olivia Carroll before Svea Neunfinger tied the game up with two minutes left. The rematch took place in San Francisco in which the Wildcats won 2-0 behind goals from Kelly Wall and Kate Gerrity which essentially clinched the WCAL championship for St. Ignatius.
It was the first time the Monarchs had not won the WCAL crown in four seasons under the leadership of JT Hanley, but the Monarchs hold the advantage in CCS play having been here last year winning the open division championship. The Monarchs defeated Leland in the semifinals to advance to the finals behind Neunfinger notching her seventh goal of the season. The Monarchs did not play with Cal Poly commit Camille Lafaix on Wednesday night and her status for Friday’s final is still up in the air. The Wildcats defeated Prep2Prep previous number #1 Mountain View behind goals from Olivia Carroll and Kelly Wall in what could have only been described as a grudge match. There will certainly be no love lost between the two league rivals as St. Ignatius looks to maintain its dream season with the Monarchs looking to get back to the top spot.
Boys : #4 Bellarmine vs. #7 Branham @7:30
Just more a week Branham was in the second place in the BVAL Mt. Hamilton division behind Prospect and their chances of making of the open playoffs looking bleak without winning a league crown. The Bruins defeated Prospect on the final game of the season in a come from behind effort to win the division and their playoff run since has been nothing short of sensational. The Bruins defeated two time defending open division champion St. Ignatius on the road in the quarterfinals behind Nick Orozco’s first half goal. The Bruins then travelled to Soledad and came away with 1-0 road win. While Branham may have been an outside bet to win the tournament beforehand they can beat any team on any night with one of the strongest defensive sides in CCS lead by Senior GK Tanner Lanphear who is having possibly the individual CCS tournament of any player, including 6 six saves in the win over Soledad. Head coach Danny Kadah looks to win his first CCS championship.
Ever since Bellarmine lost in the semifinals of the open division three seasons ago to Watsonville the Bells have been desperate to get back, falling just short of the point total needed to qualify for the open playoffs the last two seasons. Despite last seasons Division 1 CCS title Bellarmine made it one of their season goals this to win the CCS open crown and have looked invincible so far throughout the playoffs, defeating Palo Alto 2-0 and dominationg #1 seed Watsonville on the road 3-0. The Bells are lead by Seniors Jake Rhodes, Blaze Strangio and Casey Jaeb to balance out with a number of talented Sophomores. Bellarmine coach Conor Salcido looks to win his second CCS championship and the schools first ever open division championship in what could shape out to be a classic championship match.
