ANAHEIM- Even in a game that Coach Shane York described as "bad," Mar Rodriguez and Santa Ana Valley  did enough good things to open Orange League play in victorious fashion.

Rodriguez recorded a hat trick as the Falcons defeated Savanna, 3-1, in the league opener for both teams Monday at Savanna High.

"We worked hard as a team and stayed positive," Rodriguez said. "I just tried to do my best to help get the win."

The Falcons remained undefeated at 14-0-1.

Santa Ana Valley's Diana Astdregla chases down the ball against Savanna./ Photo by Jason Eichelberger, OCVarsity.com

"This team is blessed that we can play bad and still win," York said. "We have a knack of stepping up and doing what we have to do."

The Rebels (12-3) controlled the early portion of the game by getting the ball into scoring positions while not allowing the Falcons a chance to build much offensive momentum.

Savanna outshot the Falcons, 10-4, in the first half, but it was unable to take advantage of the scoring opportunities.

Rodriguez’s first goal came midway into the first half. She dribbled down the right side of the field and fired a line drive into the net, making it 1-0.

A few minutes later, Rodriguez fished out a corner kick and headed the ball into the net to make it 2-0 at  intermission.

Santa Ana Valley survived a scare early in the second half as Rodriguez and Rebels goalie Maegan Duncon collided head-on while chasing a bouncing ball in the box. After being down of the field for several minutes, Rodriguez managed to walk off the field.

The Rebels narrowed the lead to 2-1 when sophomore Maribel Chavez converted a penalty kick after being fouled in the box. Rodriguez put the game away shortly after returning as she raced 30 yards down the left side before slipping a shot past Duncon to complete the scoring.

Despite the loss, Rebels coach Jim Cain saw positives from the effort his team put together.

"I know from this game that the girls can compete with Santa Ana Valley," he said. "We just can’t make the silly mistakes."

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