GRIFFIN SPORTS: ‘Golden Goal’ in 2nd OT advances Boys Soccer to 2nd Round; Girls BB falls to Aliso Niguel

Riley Hunsaker’s “golden goal” in the second overtiem period gave the Los Alamitos Boys Soccer team a 2-1 win over University High of Irvine in the opening round of CIF Division I Boys Soccer playoffs.

Hunsaker’s goal, his 10th of the season, came off assists by Alex van Steenbergen and Derek Goodman. It was Van Steenbergen’s 11th assist of the year. The win improved Los Al’s overall record to 14-9-4 and earned them a rematch with Mater Dei this Saturday. The game will be played at Los Alamitos at either 3pm or 5pm.

The Monarchs, who finished second in the Trinity League, are 15-1-4, and defeated Los Al 2-0 at the Oceanside SoCal High School Classic match-up in December, when Los Al was decimated by injuries.

Against University, the Griffins scored early with Louie Arellano scoring his 11th goal of the season off a long throw in by Alex Ridgers. Uni soon tied it up and the score remained 1-1 at the half, and through regulation and the first overtime period.

GIRLS BASKETBALL: Griffins fall to Aliso Niguel, 47-38

The Los Alamitos Girls Basketball season came to an end yesterday when the ladies fell to Aliso Niguel 47-38 down at the winners South County gym.

Los Al, which finished with a 20-9 record, led 17-15 late in the first half 17-15, but a five point surge in the in the final minutes gave Aliso a 20-17 advantage at the break. The game remained close in the third but the host Wolverine’s offensive rebounding and huge free throw advantage made things too tough for Los Al.

Aliso Niguel shot 26 free throws (making 16), while Los Al shot just five (converting four).

Griffin senior point guard led her team with 14 points, including two three pointers. Latavia Miller added 12 points and 12 rebounds.

Aliso, which has won four consecutive South Coast league titles, improved its record to 24-4 and next plays top-seeded JSerra.