The Pender Harbour Secondary School Sakinaws girls' soccer team had high hopes for this season, and they haven't disappointed.
Recently, Pender completed the busiest week of their season and came away with a lot of success on the pitch.
Pender first saw action at the zone playoffs in Pemberton. Pender was well-prepared for the games and came in with an intensity the team has never possessed before. The first game, against Whistler, saw the girls playing the finest soccer they've ever played as a team. The girls out-passed, out-muscled and all around out-played their opponents.
A goal from Tayler Metcalfe tied the game at 1-1, but an unfortunate bounce right at the end, on one of the few opportunities for Whistler, gave Pender an undeserved loss.
Next up was Pemberton. Displayed again was the superior play of Pender. They did everything but hit the back of the net.
Against Mount Currie, the girls were finally rewarded. Despite being exhausted, they again dominated the field with a 3-0 win.
Following the playoffs, Pender began the trek down to Osoyoos for the Rural Public School Invitational Tournament.
After a day of fun spent in the town, Pender got right down to business. It became apparent quickly that the Sakinaws were the team to beat.
The opening day of the tournament saw Pender play and win three games. The team played with poise and confidence, even when placed in the difficult situation of a shoot-out. This confidence won the girls the game, with stellar shots form all five shooters.
Pender placed fourth out of 15 teams and played host to Osoyoos in the semifinal.
Pender was tired from three games on Wednesday and three games on Friday, and it showed as the Sakinaws trailed 1-0 at the half.
But the second half was a different story as Osoyoos was out-worked and out-chanced by the Pender women. With less than five minutes left, Lauren Storoschuk scored to force the game to overtime. Again, the game was dominated by Pender. In the shootout, the game continued to be tight; it went to the sixth shooter. However, Pender would lose this game. Not lost, though, was the Pender spirit. The girls kept their heads up in the third/fourth place game.
With a goal from Arhea Howitt and stellar play by goalie Nicole Polacek, Pender won 1-0 to claim third place and become the first soccer team to win a tournament award.
Game MVPs went to Lauren, Ryleigh Milligan, Arhea, Michelle Polacek and Jenna Scott. Selected for an all-star team with players from all the teams were Lauren and Angie Goodwin. The team wishes to thank coach Robin Millar, teacher sponsor Michelle Mocellin and all the parents and community sponsors.
Editor's note: Jenna Scott is team captain.
