PARACLETE SHOWS DEFENSIVE POWER.

Byline: Lee Barnathan Daily News Staff Writer

The offense receives most of the attention, but Paraclete High's girls' soccer team has a strong defense, too.

The 18-2-1 Spirits, who play at third-seeded Westridge in a Southern Section DivisionIV quarterfinal today, have given up just 10 goals all season. Goalies Alena Valdez and Tiffany Forrest have numerous shutouts, helped by the play of Alicia Mac, Amanda Pollock and Kristin Velotta.

Pollock was especially critical in Tuesday's win over Marymount. Once, Valdez was beat, but Pollock came back and kicked away the ball before it went into the goal.

Of course, the offense also played its part. Lisa Ament scored into the wind, taking a cross-field pass from Jenny Alonzo, trapped the ball with her chest, dribbled across and fired a hard shot.

``Oh my gosh, her goal was amazing,'' Paraclete coach Deana Jacoby said.

Any in-the-wind goal is an extra advantage, Jacoby said, because having the wind makes the offense run better.

``We're fighting hard,'' Jacoby said. ``We came out of the first half 1-1. I thought, `They had their chance. Now, it's our turn.' ''

Two Forrest goals were more than enough.

Next: Westridge is an all-girls school in Pasadena with an enrollment of 430. The defense will be tested with forward Jamie Lang, who scored three times in Tuesday's second-round win.