Sandia Prep girls continue to dominate Class 1A-3A soccer

At this point, it is practically a monopoly.

Sandia Prep’s dynastic girls soccer program continues to hoard blue trophies, and late Friday afternoon, the Sundevils made it seven out of eight years atop the Class 1A-3A division, beating district rival Bosque School 2-0 at a cold University of New Mexico complex.

Sandia Prep (20-3) has won state every year since 2016, all except for the pandemic-shortened season in the spring of 2021. The top-seeded Sundevils were unbeaten this fall against 1A-3A competition.

“Oh man, the thing that has made this group so special for me is … last year, we lost five seniors that had been with me since I started the program. We were looking for leaders out here, and having the juniors and seniors step up by example to show how we play, that was what I was most proud of,” Sandia Prep coach Matt Westerlund said.

Sandia Prep closed on a 17-game winning streak, and conceded only 13 goals in its 23 matches.

“It was hard,” Sundevils junior forward Maya Burgos said. “Bosque put up a great fight. It’s not like this was an easy game. And at the end of the day, we couldn’t underestimate them.”

Sandia Prep had won two regular-season games against the second-seeded Bobcats, 3-1 and 5-0.

And less than two minutes into Friday’s final, junior forward Penny Hashagen ran on and finished from just outside the top of the 18 box, and Sandia Prep had an early and important lead.

“Looking back,” a sheepish Hashagen said, “and I see everyone running towards me, and I was really happy.”

Said Burgos: “It really lifted us up, and we were like, we can do this. And it made us go even harder.”

Sandia Prep completely dominated the first half, with possession in Bosque’s half for over 90 percent of the opening 40 minutes.

Sandia Prep coach Matt Westerlund said the first half played out perfectly.

“It was a concerted effort to possess the ball and pick our times to go forward,” he said.

And this continued into the second half, to only a slightly lesser degree. Bosque pressed the action more than it did in the first half, but the best scoring opportunities for the Bobcats (17-5-1) came on direct kicks.

Future Lobo Ainsley Capps bombed her attempt well over the net.

Moments later, Rose Candelaria’s attempt from about 35 yards away proved to be the first shot on goal for Bosque, but it was grabbed without incident by Sundevils goalkeeper Taylor Calkins. Calkins was asked to make only two saves Friday. She wasn’t busy.

“Last year, (Bosque) really brought it. We knew they’d also bring it this year, so you’re kind of nervous,” Hashagen said. “But we had confidence and we were able to work through it as a team.”

Meanwhile, Sandia Prep added the second goal in the 47th minute. Burgos took a cross from freshman Camryn McWilliams from the opposite side of the field, then launched a 15-yard shot into the back of the net for the crucial two-goal edge.

There was only one senior on the field Friday, as the Sundevils will return mostly en masse to chase its second four-peat in the last decade.

“I’ve been with these girls since eighth grade, (but) I’m ready to win next year again,” a smiling Burgos said.

Bosque School lost in the final last year to Sandia Prep.

“Last year,” Burgos said, “we underestimated them. This year we did not at all.”

And Burgos said every Sandia Prep girl who competes in this program understands the standard expected of them.

“They know Sandia Prep, we win championships,” she said. “And that’s what we have to do if you’re gonna be on this team.”

SANDIA PREP 2, BOSQUE SCHOOL 0

Bosque School 0 0 — 0

Sandia Prep 1 1 — 2

Scoring: SP, 2nd, Penny Hashagen (Bridget Hurley); SP, 47th, Maya Burgos (Camryn McWilliams). Shots on goal: B 3; SP 13. Saves: BS, Elia Pizarro-Krichels 9; SP, Taylor Calkins 2. Records: SP 20-3; BS 17-5-1.

Photos: Sandia Prep girls win 1A-3A state championship over Bosque