The Tartans battled for two wins against CIF-SS top-ranked opponents this past weekend. St. Margaret's defeated Division 4 No. 1 Moorpark High School 3-2 on Saturday, January 16 and Division 3 No. 8 West Torrance High School on Monday, January 18, also by the score 3-2.

Against Moorpark, the Tartans found themselves behind early as the Musketeers jumped ahead with an early goal in the 12th minute. St. Margaret's quickly countered, drawing a foul in the opposing box. Senior captain Elizabeth Barbaresi found the net on the ensuing penalty kick.

Momentum clearly was in the Tartan's favor as they pressed the attack and junior Blake Crawley scored to make it 2-1, Tartans. Barbaresi again scored in the 26th minute on a cross from Grace Chalmers to give the Tartans a 3-1 lead at the half.

Moorpark, a finalist in the 2015 CIF-SS Division 4 Championship, opened the second half with a blistering attack. The Tartan defense, led by freshman goaltender Niki Miles, stood tall and weathered all attempts by the Musketeers to score. Moorpark eventually scored on a penalty kick in the 47th minute, but it came too late to endanger the Tartan victory.

On Monday, the Tartans traveled to face highly-touted West Torrance High School in a non-league fixture. Straight off the bus, the Tartans took the lead in the fourth minute as sophomore Lauren McCaffrey scored on a cross from senior Olivia Miller. The advantage was short-lived, however, as West Torrance tied the game on a free kick a minute later. The Tartans regrouped and pressed the attack, forcing numerous turnovers by the Warriors. McCaffrey and Miller combined again before the half, with Miller scoring on a header off of the corner by McCaffrey.

Again, the Tartans faced a relentless attack by a formidable opponent at the opening of the half. St. Margaret's defense was again up to the challenge despite the increased pressure by West Torrance. Barbaresi found the net after the Tartan corner taken by junior Blake Crawley as the Tartans held on for the win. Goaltender Niki Miles had seven saves as the Tartans improved to 9-2-2 on the year.

St. Margaret's will next face Academy League opponent Oxford Academy on January 19.