Mater Dei holds off Del Norte to triumph in CIF-Southern California Regional Division 1 boys soccer final, earn berth in state championship

Andres Arellano, a senior, converted a throw-in from freshman Kai Cowan in the ninth minute for top-seeded Mater Dei High in California in a 1-0 boys soccer victory against No. 3 Del Norte High of California in the CIF Southern California Regional Division 1 championship match March 7 at Fred Kelly Stadium in Orange.

Nate Enriquez, a sophomore goalkeeper, recorded nine saves for the Monarchs, who captured their first regional championship in program history.

Chase Diggs, also a sophomore goalkeeper, had six saves for Del Norte, which appeared in its first Division 1 regional final and made the second appearance in program history in a regional championship match, along with securing the 2018 Division 3 regional title.

Mater Dei will compete March 14 against Everett Alvarez in the inaugural Division 1 state final at Natomas High in Sacramento.