Immaculate Heart Girls Soccer Wins CIF Southern Section District 4 Championship

Immaculate Heart Middle & High School is proud to announce that its HS Varsity Girls Soccer team has claimed the CIF Southern Section District 4 Championship with a thrilling victory over San Jacinto High School.

The championship match took place on Saturday, February 28 at 5 pm on the IH Pandas’ home pitch at Sartoris Field in Glendale, CA. In a hard-fought battle, the teams remained locked at 0–0 through regulation time, followed by two intense overtime periods.

The Pandas ultimately prevailed in a dramatic penalty kick shootout, earning a 5–4 victory. Freshman goalkeeper Rio Belknap delivered a standout performance, tending the net with a tenacity that sealed the victory.

“This entire team has shown extraordinary grit, unity, and belief in one another all season long,” said Head Coach and Athletic Director Kevin Cadenas. “To see them stay composed through two overtimes and then deliver under the pressure of penalty kicks speaks volumes about their character. I could not be prouder of this team and the heart they bring to our program every single day.”

Assistant Coach Vanessa Rivas echoed that thought. “What makes this team so special is their commitment to one another. Every player understands her role and plays for the good of the whole. This championship is the culmination of lots of hard work. I am honored to coach such a determined group of athletes.”

“I’m also proud of our IH fan base,” added Coach Cadenas. “The Panda community, including current students and families as well as alumnae, really showed up in a huge way to support this team.”

This victory marks a historic milestone for Immaculate Heart, representing the school’s first CIF championship title and signaling the strength of its athletics program. Immaculate Heart celebrates this accomplishment and looks forward to building on this season’s momentum in the years to come.