Mater Dei Blanks Top-Ranked Cougars

Alison Fennell scored in the 76th minute to give ninth-ranked Mater Dei a 1-0 victory over top-ranked Capistrano Valley in South Coast League girls’ soccer Tuesday at Mater Dei. The loss was the first of the season for the Cougars.

Fennell, a senior who has committed to play at USC next season, scored the winner on a corner kick. Capistrano Valley’s Elizabeth Ahern, who was replacing starting goalkeeper Haley Kuhn, initially stopped Fennell’s shot but dropped the ball into the goal.

Kuhn did not suit up for the game. Four other Capistrano Valley starters missed the game because of injuries.

Senior Rachel Slocum-Johnson made nine saves for the Monarchs (11-3-4, 3-1-1). Capistrano Valley’s record is 13-1-3, 4-1.