Conventional wisdom has always said that fifth sets in volleyball and penalty-kick decisions in soccer are basically coin-flips.  Well, if that’s the case, then the Bruins must be counting themselves pretty lucky after a second consecutive penalty-kicks win gives them the Mater Dei Invitational title, this one 1-1 (4-3) over Aliso Niguel.

Of course, a goalkeeper like Breegan Saller doesn’t exactly hurt your odds—she saved a PK goal in the Bruins’ penalty-kicks semifinal win over Los Al, and she saved two on Monday against Aliso Niguel.  “She was on fire tonight,” said Wilson coach Jason Kirkwood of his ‘keeper, who was also named the tournament’s MVP.

Aliso scored first, on a corner kick in the 25th minute—in the waning seconds of the first half, however, Wilson got the equalizer when Kim Marshall dug up a loose ball and launched a 30-yard cannon shot that went upper shelf to the corner.  Wilson controlled possession fairly well in the second, limiting Aliso’s chances to free kicks and corners, and Saller ensured the PK win after injuries cut short the overtime period.

“It’s a good, team-building tournament win,” said Kirkwood, who utilized his entire roster at some point during the tournament.  The Bruins outscored their competition 9-5, and will now take a week off before playing Newport Harbor in the Excalibur Tournament next Monday.  Kirkwood said his group of seniors have accomplished essentially all of the goals they set as a unit over the last two years, save hoisting the Excalibur sword, so the competition is sure to be intense—stay tuned for updates.