GIRLS’ SOCCER

Arcadia 3, Buena 2--Less than three hours after defeating defending Division III champion Mayfair, 4-0, the Bulldogs’ bid for an undefeated season and attempt to break the state record for consecutive games without a loss ended in overtime in the final of the Mater Dei tournament.

Buena’s undefeated streak ended at 37 games, after its winning streak of 36 games was halted Friday by a 3-3 tie with Esperanza.

Paula Wizel scored the winning goal five minutes into overtime for Arcadia (5-0-1).

“I’d rather have the loss now than lose [in the Southern Section playoffs],” said midfielder Lerin Mundell of Buena.

“We have one of the hardest schedules ever. Our league doesn’t prepare us for [the playoffs], so we put our record in jeopardy by playing tough teams.”

In an evenly played game in which play mostly took place in the midfield, neither team’s forwards could break through the opposition’s defense.

Arcadia, which advanced to the final with a 1-0 victory over Capistrano Valley, scored first on a goal by Shelly Marshall in the ninth minute.

Ashleigh Garmon tied the score three minutes later.

The Bulldogs (4-1-1) took a 2-1 halftime lead when Shameka Alford touched in a rebound of a shot by Brittney McDonald.

Buena held its lead until the 59th minute when defender Lindsey Peeples scored on a header.

“I hope this has earned us some respect,” Coach Shelby Elliott of Arcadia said. “Buena was the best team we played in the tournament. They gave us a run for our money.”