Varsity 13, Aliso Niguel 2

Trabuco Hills Girls Lacrosse Varsity used a controlled, balanced attack and another solid defensive effort to defeat a physical Aliso Niguel squad, 13-2, on Tuesday night at Trabuco Stadium.

The win moved Trabuco’s record to 7-0 on the young season — the best start for Mustang team since 2009 when Trabuco won its first eight games.

As usual, Tuesday night the Mustangs jumped out to an early lead and kept the pressure on its South Coast League opponent, taking a 5-0 lead on goals by Kendall Derbyshire (2), Gabi Bitting, Sierra Knudsen, and Hennessey Evans. Ashley Murillo tallied another goal to give Trabuco Hills a 6-1 halftime lead.

But the defense took center stage in this match with a team effort that limited its opponent’s scoring opportunities. The Mustangs’ switching, on-the-ball pressure hounded the Wolverines all night, as its hard-working group of defenders and midfielders moved in concert to force turnovers and prevent open shots on goal. Core defenders include Kody Shelton, Erin Beall, Sidney Rauch, Audie Shutler, and Bekah Mendelson. Goalie Ashley Bell blocked 14 shots on goal in the contest.

In the second half, Aliso Niguel came out pressing hard on defense in an effort to will its way back from its deficit. The action heated up as the second half wore on — the two squads were whistled for 44 fouls — but Trabuco Hills never gave in, adding seven second-half goals for a 13-2 win to improve its record to 2-0 in the South Coast League.

Record: 7-0, 2-0 South Coast League

Next game: Thursday vs. Tesoro at home.