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By Regina Shiroma

Sharks’ goal keeper Lowella Diramos jumped to block an incoming kick and make the save. (photo by Jesse Castro)

The fourth placed Simon Sanchez Sharks advanced in the first round of the IIAAG high school girl’s soccer playoffs after inching their way past the fifth placed Harvest Christian Academy Eagles 2-1 at the Okkodo Field.

Tied at 1-all by half time, both teams were eager to get in a goal. As time began to wind down, a long throw in by Sharks’ Edelene Cruz put the ball right in front of the goal. As the Eagles’ defense scuffled to get the ball out, Sharks captain Giselle Kho put the loose ball in the back of the net.

Playing in a win or go home game, Kho told her team, “…to do it not only for themselves, but for the coaches and our teammates.”

McDonald’s Player of the Game: Sharks Giselle Kho

The Eagles continuously put pressure on Shark’s keeper Lowella Diramos, taking long, hard shots at the goal, but Diramos withstood not allowing a shot to get past her.

In the first half, the Eagles put up a goal first in the 34th minute thanks to Elisha Benavente. A few minutes later, Jasmine Banks tied the game she easily poked the ball into the goal after her fellow teammate’s shot was blocked.

“Just to stay aggressive, and take care of our own and we’ll be good,” said Kho of her team’s game plan.

The Sharks will now face the top-rated Southern Dolphins in the semifinals on Tuesday.

In other quarterfinal games:

The Dolphins cruise past the St. John’s Knights 4-0 behind MVP Paige Surber’s two goals. Zoe Surber added a penalty kick and Tianna Sakaba scored on an open play.

And the second-ranked Notre Dame Royals barely got by #7 GW Geckos 1-0 as Kabrini Muna scored the lone goal.

The final quarterfinal matchup will take place Monday between #3 Academy and #6 JFK at 4:;30 p.m.

PHOTO GALLERY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Eagles’ Namika Collard threw the ball back into play while her teammate Jessie Flynn fights for position with Sharks’ Philana Lopez to maintain control of the ball. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Sharks’ Tayler Naputi maintains control of the ball while Eagles’ Jessie Flynn moves to intercept and steal the ball. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Eagles’ Tatyana Ungacta defended her goal from Sharks’ Giselle Kho by heading the ball away from the goal line. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Eagles’ goal keeper Megan Temerowski stretches out to block the incoming shot only to have Sharks’ Jasmine Banks continue the attack and score a goal. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Sharks’ Jasmine Banks scored one for the team. (photo by Jesse Castro)

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