LITTLETON - With several key players from both sides of the field missing the game, Friday night's showdown between top-ranked Mullen and eighth-ranked Heritage missed a little luster.

But for Heritage coach Tony Hurt and the Eagles, their 1-0 victory against the Mustangs in the semifinals of the Warrior Invitational Tournament was a learning experience that can pay huge dividends as the season goes along.

"I've had some young, inexperienced players really step up during the first three games of the season," Hurt said. "We had six or seven new girls playing major roles today, so that's encouraging."

One of those new girls is sophomore forward Kayla Yee. Hurt moved her to the midfield to fill some holes, and she had a strong game, forcing the attack for the Eagles.

"We had a lot of key players out but when they come back we're going to be even stronger," said Yee. "We definitely proved something."

Mullen played without five regulars, including all-Colorado junior Danielle Foxhoven, who are playing in a club tournament in Las Vegas this weekend. Heritage also was missing a couple of its top players, including all-Colorado senior Alex Hooker, who is attending an out of state wedding.

Heritage notched the game's only goal in the 20th minute, converting on a set piece. Lauren Wiltshire sent a direct kick from about 40 yards out into the center of the Mullen goal box. The Mustangs tried to clear it, but the Eagles' Erin Onat intercepted it about 18 yards out and fired a shot into the top right corner of the net.

Mullen wouldn't get a shot on goal in the first half, but turned up the pressure in the latter stages of the game. Meredith Smith had three of the Mustangs five shots on goal in the second half, including a point-blank header from about 10 yards out with 10 seconds remaining in regulation that was stopped by Heritage keeper Andrea Swanson.

"Meredith's a good quality player and she had to carry a bigger load for us," Mullen coach Jay McClain said. "(Heritage) won fair and square, and they scored a good goal. No excuses."

Goals - H, Erin Onat (20th minute).

Shots on goal - H, 3-4 7; M, 0-5 5. Saves - H (Andrea Swanson) 0-5 5; M (Christina Palomino) 2-4 6. Corner kicks - H, 0-1 1; M, 1-4 5.