Morning Star Staff
Two teams off to 0-2 starts rang up victories in the North Okanagan Women’s Soccer League Masters Division Tuesday night.
The Goplen Controllers clipped the Longhorn/Gray Monk Impact 1-0 at Marshall Field #2, while the Chick Kickers shut down Vernon Square Liquor Store VQA 2-0 at MacDonald Park.
Melissa Henson blasted a shot on goal midway through the first half and an onrushing Karen Zupp buried the rebound far post for Goplen’s winner.
Leah Mulvihill, Emma Louie, and Angela Durfeld worked hard up front to open up several scoring opportunities.
Controllers’ Player of the Match went to Shelley Henry, who was sensational as sweeper, reading the play well and consistently disrupting the Impact’s offence to help distribute the ball away from her keeper Michelle Wernicke.
Player of the Match for the Impact was newbie Ashley Buechler of Kelowna. Jodi Hawthorne, Suzie Andrews and Alicia Mcreary sparkled in the middle of the park, while Dawn Lemiski was super subbing for regular keeper Derri Ann Cooper.
The Chick Kickers and VQA went back and forth until the 24th minute when midfielder Michelle Johnson placed a corner to the head of Jen Kemper who nodded the ball far corner.
Speedy strikers Jen Sorochuck and Jenny Garnett enjoyed solid chances in the final 45, but VQA keeper Karen Benn shut them down.
Centre fullback Stephanie Curtis took the ball upfield, crossed centre and dished the ball to Sorochuck, who then passed off to Player of the Match Kelly Challen.
Challen made a great run with control and hit a corker for insurance that Benn had no chance on.
Goaltending duties were shared by four of the senior Chicks. Bold play also came from Holly Flinkman and Krista Maccagno.
The amazing and tireless Jane Sutton kept the VQA defence clear in front of Benn most of the night, getting support from Rita Tedesco, Tania Willett, Shelly Johnston and Vicki Ryan.
Midfielders and forwards Harmony Crockett, Cheryl Roddis, Sue Barss, Carly Bibby, Gail Atha, Ute Kintzel and Jen Hatten combined for some dangerous runs.
Squires Four brushed off host Shuswap Merlot 3-0 at Salmon Arm Savings & Credit Union Sports Complex for their third straight win.
Jacquie Hansen put the pub crew ahead on an assist from Deanna Baker and Marisa Weibe in the first half. Leah Frye kept the offence going with a nice run down the wing, cutting the ball back to Jill Rintoul, who converted a rocket.
Lori Shippy added insurance on a nice feed from Deanna Baker. Lisa Arrotta recorded the shutout
Striker Tori Feser showed great hustle in her debut with Squires. Bobbi Cormier, Melissa Wejr and Barb Levesque were dynamic on defence.
The Shuswap Kaos stopped Season Sistas 5-2 at Marshall Field #3.
Tammy Buick sent a sweet through ball to speedy Diane Neudorf, whose shot ricocheted off a defender and in for the first Sistas goal late in the opening half.
With the Kaos up 3-1, Melinda Barrajon fed a throw in to Debra Oughtred, who crossed it to Andy Zubot, who chipped a hard shot over the keeper. The Kaos added two late goals.
Lynnelle Erbacker was a supa fast Sista on the front line and Bobbi Catt was fearless on the back line, along with Melanee Skinner, Trista Bassett, Wendy Bueckert and Nadine Danyluk.
Salmon Arm TED United blanked stubborn Rosters 1-0 at MacDonald Park.
United unleashed numerous shots, Rosters’ keeper Amanda Smiley handled them like a pro with help from a firm back four.
Lisa Fogel and Emily Hoag controlled the play in the centre, working hard and feeding the forwards some beautiful balls.
In Division I action, the AF Blazers and Celtics battled to a scoreless draw at Marshall #5.
Amber Maltman and Amanda Swales turned in firm defensive showings for the Blazers, who got sensational play from keeper Chelsea Hagen. Ciana Fitzpatrick and Kelsey Powell also shined
Ashley Krause was superb sweeping for the injury-riddled Celtics, along with stopper Jennifer Seigmueller.
Glenn Power iced the shortstaffed Little Tex Outlaws 5-0 at Blackburn Park. The Outlaws started with seven players and finished with nine.
