Sophomore forward Lucy Miller one-timed a cross from winger Nicole Angrisani into the net in the 25th minute as the Palisades High women’s soccer team wrapped up the regular season with a 1-0 victory over Venice (8-7 overall, 4-6 in league) Monday afternoon at Stadium by the Sea. Despite outshooting Venice 22-2 the Dolphins managed only the one goal, but it was all they needed to clinch the Western League title and a Top-8 seed in the City Section playoffs, which will consist of a 32-team draw. Palisades (12-2-1, 9-1) generated chance after chance and kept the ball on the Gondos’ half of the field for 73 of the 80 minutes but was unable to finish plays as it had in a 12-0 rout of last-place University last Thursday. “Our touches weren’t good, it was just one of those days,” said Pali junior midfielder Alex Michael, who hit the crossbar on a turnaround shot in the 72nd minute, an example of the misfortune that plagued the Dolphins all game. With a varsity roster consisting of many freshman and sophomores, Pali coach Kim Smith’s first season began with uncertainty. And while winning has bolstered the Dolphins’ confidence, Michael said the real test of the team’s mettle will be how Pali fares in the playoffs. “This team is young but the potential is there. It’s fun to win, but we know the teams we’ll play from now on are going to be better.” A panel of coaches will meet Saturday to determine the City playoff seedings. The Dolphins will host a first-round game next Friday (Feb. 20) at 3 p.m.
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