Scripps Ranch beats Torrey Pines in field hockey tournament final

Two Falcons field hockey teams squared off to determine the champion of the West Coast Classic Saturday afternoon.

Like in their semifinal victory against the Bishop’s School, Scripps Ranch High School  scored early, this time on a penalty shot off a corner from junior Sammy Ippolito.

That would ultimately be the difference as Scripps Ranch held on for 1-0 championship win against the tournament hosts, Torrey Pines High.

“It was super important,” Ippolito said of scoring early. “I knew that Torrey Pines was going to come out hard because they’re a great team. So, I’m glad we got that one.”

Ippolito has been the centerpiece to this Scripps Ranch team, playing a huge role on both sides of the ball.

“Sammy is instrumental to our game,” Scripps Ranch head coach Elizabeth Jacobs said. “She’s one of the ones on our defensive corner unit, our offensive corner unit. She’s our center mid.

“She’s all over the field. She’s hustling. She’s our heart in the middle. She’s talking to everybody. She’s such a key player. She’s so positive, and she lifts everybody up. Watching her is so fun because she can do some amazing things with her stick.”

After Ippolito’s goal three minutes in, the defense took over.

Scripps Ranch, which allowed only one goal in its six games throughout the West Coast Classic, then saw the defense step up for the next 57 minutes.

However, it did not come easy. Torrey Pines recorded six consecutive corners in both the first and second quarters.

“Our defensive corner unit is very strong and made up of some really tough girls,” Jacobs said. “Corner after corner, they don’t let it get to them. It’s just like one more.”

In addition, the hosts had their chances on their home turf, even in the second half. Torrey Pines had a shot go wide right with 12 minutes left in the fourth quarter and had two more corners. However, they were unable to score on either opportunity as Scripps Ranch goalie Abby Martin made a key save on the first corner.

Ippolito, along with teammate Reese Nguyen, made the all-tournament team. Joining the Scripps Ranch duo on all-tournament included Torrey Pines’ Ava Hauer and Izzy Adams, who was named the top defender.

Bishop’s Lola Conway was named all-tournament and as the best offensive player. Cathedral’s Audrey Zolfaghari and Mt. Carmel’s Quinn Van Doren were also on the team.

The West Coast Classic also brought four teams from outside of San Diego Section, including Gilroy High School, whose goalkeeper Leah Kim, was named top goalie.