LOS GATOS — As Abby Nelson’s kick lofted toward the Archbishop Mitty net in the 61st minute, Los Gatos’ star forward couldn’t believe her eyes.
Neither could the Los Gatos faithful, at least one of whom exclaimed “Holy (expletive)!” as Nelson’s intended cross from the far touchline drifted over the outstretched hands of Mitty’s goalkeeper and into the orange nylon.
That divine shot clinched the Wildcats’ 4-0 win over Mitty and gave Nelson her second consecutive hat trick, capping a historic afternoon where Los Gatos stamped itself as a true contender in the Central Coast Section’s top division.
No. 2 Los Gatos (17-1-3) will face top seed St. Francis (19-0-1) for the CCS Division I championship on Friday at Santa Clara University. It will be the Cats’ first appearance in the top division title game since 2014.
Los Gatos celebrates their 4-0 win over Archbishop Mitty at Los Gatos High School in Los Gatos, Calif., on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Mitty’s (15-4-1) season will continue in the CIF NorCal playoffs next week.
“They’re a good team, no doubt about it,” Mitty coach JT Hanley said. “They’re the best Los Gatos team that I’ve seen in 20 years at Mitty, for sure.”
The Wildcats took control early with Nelson’s first goal, a half-volleyed finish just outside the six-yard box off an assist from Elizabeth Leitch in the 11th minute. Then in the 52nd minute, Teagan Kaefer’s shot from well outside the box bounced off the right post, setting up Larson’s for the tap-in brace.
Then in the 61st came Nelson’s stunner, a high-arcing cross not intended for goalkeeper consumption. As it happened, it turned out to be the perfect shot, impossible to reach and deposited brilliantly into the back netting.
Los Gatos' Abby Nelson (19), facing camera, celebrates her goal with teammates against Archbishop Mitty in the first half at Los Gatos High School in Los Gatos, Calif., on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)“The wind took it and it kind of just went over the goalie’s hand,” Nelson said.
Kaefer finished off the scoring in the 77th minute, curling in a perfect shot off a short corner to seal the deal.
Related Articles
CCS basketball playoffs: Best of Tuesday’s quarterfinals ‘They counted us out’: Granada uses late run to beat Amador Valley, advances to NCS D1 title game NCS soccer playoffs 2026: Tuesday’s scores, upcoming schedule CCS soccer playoffs 2026: Tuesday’s scores, upcoming schedule CCS basketball playoffs: Tuesday’s quarterfinal scores, updated scheduleNelson has had a knack for finishing goals all season. She’s scored 39 goals in 21 games, at least one goal in all but one game and three or more goals seven times.
So back-to-back playoff triples? That’s old hat.
“She surprises me every game with some of her goals,” said first-year Los Gatos coach Lisa Mitchell. “And just when you think you’ve seen an awesome one, she pulls out something the next game.”
Los Gatos goalkeeper Cora Bryant (1), third from left, is congratulated after their 4-0 win over Archbishop Mitty at Los Gatos High School in Los Gatos, Calif., on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group) Los Gatos' Isabella Cain (10) tries to head the ball against Archbishop Mitty's Laila Ortiz (7) in the first half at Los Gatos High School in Los Gatos, Calif., on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group) Archbishop Mitty's Laila Ortiz (7) heads the ball against Los Gatos' Isabella Cain (10) in the first half at Los Gatos High School in Los Gatos, Calif., on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group) Archbishop Mitty goalkeeper Layla Tucakovic (1) makes a save against Los Gatos' Isabella Cain (10) in front of Arch Bishop Mitty's Taylor Klein (6), right, in the first half at Los Gatos High School in Los Gatos, Calif., on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group) Archbishop Mitty's Alexis Tsakiris (8) fights for the ball against Los Gatos' Teagan Kaefer (15) in the second half at Los Gatos High School in Los Gatos, Calif., on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group) Archbishop Mitty's Avery Richter (22) fights for the ball against Los Gatos' Ale Munneke (2) in the first half at Los Gatos High School in Los Gatos, Calif., on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group) Los Gatos' Avery Edson (20) heads the ball against Archbishop Mitty's Lilly Jones (19) in the first half at Los Gatos High School in Los Gatos, Calif., on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group) Los Gatos' Ale Munneke (2) takes a shot against Archbishop Mitty in the first half at Los Gatos High School in Los Gatos, Calif., on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group) Archbishop Mitty's Scarlett Martinez (4) fights for the ball with Los Gatos' Abby Nelson (19) in the second half at Leigh High School in San Jose, Calif., on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Subscribe to our Bay Area Preps HQ newsletter for all our Bay Area high school sports coverage, including game analysis, scores, and everything you want to know about your Bay Area high school teams.
Hence then, the article about hat trick los gatos abby nelson nets three goals as wildcats romp past mitty to reach ccs title game was published today ( ) and is available on mercury news ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Hat trick! Los Gatos’ Abby Nelson nets three goals as Wildcats romp past Mitty to reach CCS title game )
Also on site :