Peluffo's rise has Cap soaring

Since then, however, the Mustangs have reeled off five straight wins to pull itself into the thick of the Ocean Division race. Not coincidentally, the hot streak has corresponded with the emergence of Peluffo. In three games last week, the junior scored four goals and added two assists as the Mustangs pulled to within two points of front-running Sequoia, including both goals in a 2-0 win over the Cherokees last Tuesday.

For her efforts Peluffo has been named the San Mateo Daily Journal's Athlete of the Week.

Despite her scoring groove, Peluffo deflected much of the credit.

"Mostly it's a team effort," Peluffo said. "We're finally clicking (as a team)."

When the Mustangs were struggling early in the season, coach Marty Jenkins believed Peluffo, a three-year varsity player, was putting too much pressure on herself to make something happen. With no seniors on the team, Peluffo, among others, believed she had to step up and lead the team.

"Early on, we couldn't get any touches for her," Jenkins said. "It's hard (to be productive) when you put that much pressure on yourself."

As the team got to know each other, Jenkins believes the Mustangs are playing some of their best soccer of the season. That has allowed everyone to feel more comfortable in their roles and for the game to open up.

That was most evident last week when Capuchino had to play three games, including a make-up game, instead of the normal two. The Mustangs didn't blink, especially Peluffo. In the make-up game against South City on Monday, Peluffo scored both Capuchino goals in a 2-0 win. The Mustangs came back the next day and handed Sequoia its first PAL loss with Peluffo again scoring twice in a 2-0 win. The Mustangs finished up the week with a 2-1 win over a strong Hillsdale squad in which Peluffo assisted on both goals.

"Now we have some confidence and we're playing better," Peluffo said.

Jenkins said he was most impressed with Peluffo's performance against Sequoia in what was the Mustangs' biggest game to date. After suffering a slight knee injury early in the game and missing about 10 minutes, she got back in the lineup and ended up scoring both Capuchino goals.

"The drive to get back in the game and score the first goal was awesome," Jenkins said. "I didn't think she was going back in the game. Not only to work through the physical but mental aspect was huge."

Peluffo, who can shoot with either foot, said her aggressiveness on the field has contributed to her scoring prowess as has the fact that she is as healthy as she's been this season after fighting through some nagging injuries.

"She can use both feet with power," Jenkins said. "You think you're doing well keeping her on your left, she'll punish you. You think you're doing well keeping her on your right, she'll punish you."