Set pieces haven't been the forte for Highland's boys soccer team this season. Until Monday morning, that is. The Hawks used set pieces to tally all three  goals and defeated host Mesa High, 3-1, to win the championship game of the Jackrabbit Invitational at Jackrabbit Stadium.

"Really this is the first time we've executed on those," Highland coach Rich Esperti said. "It's not that we can't, but we've only had two training sessions in the last two weeks. We've played a lot of matches. I think this was our 11th match in 16 days. Haven't had much time to work on them. We did well with them today."

Highland (10-1-1) scored on two corners and free kick, which was essentially a third corner since it was a a yard away from the corner-kick spot. Rapaello Colasito assisted all three goals and his teammates responded with first touches that were too easy, particularly on the first two that staked Highland to a 2-0 lead.

Highland's 1-0 lead came in the fourth minute courtesy of a header by Cutter Zaugg, sharply into the lefr-corner pocket. The second goal was similar and came in the 17th minute as Angelo Effio connected dead center.

Mesa (3-4-3) was able to cut the lead to 2-1 a minute later via a gift from Highland. Mesa's Javier Baldarrama booted what seemed an innocuous ball toward Highland's goal that Highland keeper Austin Wagner misplayed and couldn't contain before it crossed the goal mouth. Wagner was a foot too late in recovering the ball. Wagner was solid the rest of the match.

Other than that goal, Highland's defense was outstanding. The Hawks allowed 10 shots, but only one or two were even close to goals. Highland added its third goal in the 50th minute on a third header, this one by Chris Boyd.

"Their first two goals, we weren't close on," Mesa coach T.J. Hagen said. "Didn't play the corners very well today. But that's what tournaments are for. I'm proud we battled with them and didn't back down. This is the fourth time we've played them counting our scrimmage. I think Highland has proved so far they are a top-10 team."

Counting the preseason scrimmage, Monday's meeting was the fourth between the teams this season. Highland is 2-0-1 in the three with a 2-0 win and 1-1 tie the other scores.

Highland's only loss this season was in the semifinals of the Coyote Classic on Dec. 13 to tournament champion Chandler. Highland continues its season on Jan. 2, visiting Chandler in a power-ranking match.

GIRLS CHAMPIONSHIP

DESERT RIDGE 3, WILLIAMS FIELD 1: The Lady Jaguars (12-0-0) capped a dominating-tournament performance with three goals in the first half on the way to win over the Lady Blackhawks (7-4-1) in the title game at Jackrabbit Stadium.

Sophomore forward Morgan Hoefle scored twice and Kaylee Whitman tallied the third goal for Desert Ridge. Hoefle's first goal was in the 6th minute, but was answered by Williams Field's Allison Kolsrud in the 15th minute. Hoefle and Whiteman scored two minutes apart late in the first half for the tie-breaking and insurance goals. Both teams had several good chances in the second half, but came up empty.

Desert Ridge was 5-0 in the tournament and outscored its opponents, 31-2. For the season it has outscored foes 68-5. The Lady Jaguars also won their own Cactus Cup Invite back on Dec. 6. Desert Ridge's schedule becomes significantly more challenging in January with the likes of Perry, Mountain Pointe, Highland, Gilbert and Basha the first half of the month. The end of the month features Chandler and Hamilton.

Williams Field has been runner-up in both invitationals it has entered this season. The Lady Blackhawks lost the title game of Bracket 5 at Horizon's Tournament of Champions, 1-0, to Youngker.