Captain takes over for Conquistadors

Serra senior Crystal Cordova (center) is cheered by teammates after Cordova scored what turned out to be the only goal of the game early in the first half.

As a captain for the Serra girls soccer squad, senior Crystal Cordova says she seeks ways to motivate her teammates.

Scoring the first goal in the San Diego Section Division III final definitely gave the Conquistadors a boost at Mesa College on Saturday.

The goal, in the eighth minute off an assist from classmate Victoria Davis, stood up to give fifth-seeded Serra a 1-0 victory over Mission Hills for a repeat crown after the Q’s (10-9-5) moved up from Division IV.

“It’s kind of mind-blowing that we did it again,” said the petite Cordova, who has a team-high 13 goals on the season, including one in the semifinals. “We believed in each other, and we did it.”

Sophomore goalkeeper Maura Davis made three saves and benefited from a swarming defense against No. 2 Mission Hills (18-6-3) to record her third shutout in as many playoff contests.

“I’m extremely happy about that,” said Davis, who filled a starting void created by graduation. “I got a lot of support. For my first year on the team, it’s amazing.”

This was the first final for the Grizzlies, whose best scoring chance came on a second-half header that sailed high.

Serra counted on six seniors back from last year’s title team.