It was one of two goals for the Moorpark native in a 3-0 United States win Sunday at Moorpark College in the California Cup. Jake Mahan of Camarillo scored the other goal.

"We got pretty lucky," Ginolfi said of his team's ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities.

China had numerous opportunities in each half, but was unable to score.

"His skill ability and his desire to train a lot has just raised him above some of these boys," said United States coach Mike Whitehead. Whitehead said the 15-year-old Ginolfi has played with the under-20 team. "He's got a lot of potential for our national team."

In the women's 19-and-Under Division, the Camarillo Cougars maintained their hold on first place with two more wins Sunday. The Cougars beat the Vista Hot Sticks of Oceanside 3-2, and later beat the Delta Strikers of San Diego 2-1.

The Cougars advanced to a semifinal match at 7 a.m. today at Cal Lutheran on Field 5. The Cougars face the Ocelots, winner of the B Group. The Ocelots hail from Ashton, Md.

It was a competitive day in the Under-16 Division. The Ventura Roadrunners, in fourth place, made a late rally to tie a match 2-2 against Green Hawks of Vancouver, British Columbia.

Trailing 2-1 late in the second half, the multiple scoring opportunities created by Trent Reeves proved essential. Grant Mohr took a run toward goal and punched home the tying goal.

"He can finish really well," said coach Hans Wittenberg. "He's been consistent throughout the season and he stepped up today."

Also in the Under-16 Division, the Camarillo Cougars beat the Bulldogs 2-1 in an 8 a.m. match and the Roadrunners beat Moorpark 3-2. Later, the Green Hawks beat the Bulldogs 4-0.

The Los Angeles Tigers, in the Super Division, lost a 3-2 semifinal match to Pacific Sun. Pacific Sun slapped in a goal as time expired. The Tigers play at 11 a.m. today for third place.

Cal Cup teams stick to it
By Rich Romine, Ventura County Star
May 30, 2004
Camarillo Cougars, contender in women's under-19, get off to a strong start on first day

The 33rd annual California Cup features a lot of intense competition, but winning or losing isn't the focal point.

"It's the friendships," said Silvia Scally, the tournament chairwoman from Thousand Oaks.

Watching and competing in the four-day Memorial Day field hockey tournament, Scally added, "Kids can learn new skills."

The tournament featuring 127 teams in a variety of divisions continues today and Monday at Moorpark College. Games are also being played at Cal Lutheran.

The Camarillo Cougars are one of the title contenders in the women's under-19 division. The Cougars finished second a year ago, losing to the San Diego Flyers.

The Cougars opened with a 7-0 win over the Campbell Express.

"We're playing as a team," said Cougars coach Pat O'Reilly.

His team practices once a week for 90 minutes. The Cougars play in the Moorpark Spring League and then prepare for the Cal Cup and the National Hockey Festival in November. The Cougars were national pool play festival champions.

The Moorpark Mystery, the under-20 men's national team, lost to Pacific Sun of Holland 4-1 and the Millionaires 4-2 of Vancouver, British Columbia.

The Mystery held a 2-0 lead over the Millionaires, but coach Dave Harris warned his team.

"They won't give up. They exploited our weaknesses."

The Mystery features Harris' sons, Pat and Sean Harris, and Ryan Sherburn, a 6-foot-5, 240-pound fullback from Massachusetts.

Dave Harris said the team is looking forward to playing in the Junior Pan American Games at Havana, in March of 2005. "The ultimate goal is to medal," said Harris, 57, the younger brother of 68-year-old Tom Harris, one of the Cal Cup founding fathers.

The under-16 national boys' team will play Chinese Taipei today at 3:50 p.m. in an exhibition game on the Moorpark College center field.

The top United States players are Jonathon Ginofli of Moorpark, Colin Scally of Thousand Oaks and Amrit Ahluwalia of Irvine, according to coach Mike Whitehead.

In the women's competitive division, the Wizards of Northern California dropped a 1-0 decision to Colorado CCW.

The Wizards, second-place finishers last year, feature college players like Dixon, from the University of Pacific, and Emma Rapp and Merin Clark, both from UC Berkeley.

Another club, the Ocelots of Ashton, Md., were returing to the Cal Cup with teams in the under-11 and under-13 mixed division and the under-19 women's division.

"It's just a great experience for the kids," said Marcia Perez, a teacher from the Maryland Montessori School which produces field hockey players. "We're just making it fun."

She said the club has a difficult time back home finding competition to play.