Okanagan Impact opened the North Okanagan Women’s Soccer Association Masters Division season with a 6-1 win over Seasons Sistas Tuesday night at Marshall Field #1.
Derri Ann Cooper and Myra McEwan led the Impact attack with two goals apiece, with singles from Dawn Heiss and Edeen Ramsey. Julie Hamer, who shared netminding duties with Cooper, sparked the offence with some solid corner kicks.
The Sistas showed determination and grit throughout the game, their goal coming on a rocket by Andy Zubot. Sherry Weibe was a leader on the back line.
North Okanagan United and the Controllers played to a scoreless draw at Marshall #3.
NOU substitute goalie Char McNaught and the Controllers’ Michelle Embleton, who missed all of last season to injury, each recorded shutouts.
United’s Shelley Henry and Kim Cooper also faced a tough game returning from injured reserve. Teresa Collins was a force in the middle, setting up great runs by midfielders Sue Barss, Carla Gibson, Lena Dean, Wendy Stevens, Pam Powell, Rita Tedesco and Cheryl Roddis.
Defenders Penny Crebo-Dolman, Karen Benn, Tania Willett and Shelly Johnston worked hard to keep the zone clear.
The Controllers’ Krista Copeland and Emma Louie each cracked shots off the crossbar.
Brandie Hunter, with help from Leslie Epp, Michele Wernicke and Val Percy thwarted the NOU attack.
The Goplen Drillers bowed 5-1 to Salmon Arm’s TED United at Marshall #5.
Lena Urquart scored the Drillers’ goal in the dying minutes on a great through ball from Krista MacCagno, who was returning from retirement.
The Drillers, who have several new players, displayed excellent ball control and teamwork. Amber Tew, Maura McCarthy and Kate Ball all took regular shifts at fullback, stopping many United rushes.
Australian import Karinda McGraw, Aggie Golosinski and Michelle Clarke-Brown patrolled the flanks, while Michelle Loxam came out of retirement to combine with Driller returnee Lisa Lanaway to control the middle.
Speedy Kim Wenger was strong up front, and veteran keeper Shaun Nickoli helped keep the TED attack at bay.
Dental crew earns draw
In women’s Division 1 play, Dr. Lee’s Dental started the season with a 1-1 draw against host Glenn Power in Salmon Arm.
With only 10 players, the floss crew held Salmon Arm off the scoresheet until Jocelyn Baker connected at the 15-minute mark.
Dr. Lee came out in the second half with a great passing game and created my scoring chances. They equalized at the 67-minute mark on a great goal by Jacquie Hansen, after taking a wonderful through ball from Cindy Worth. Hansen showed good control to out-wait the Salmon Arm keeper before choosing her spot.
Lisa Arrotta made some great saves late in the game, including a breakaway stop and then the rebound. The defensive team of Kim Teichman, Worth, Loren Brunelle and Lori Shippy kept the speedy Salmon Arm forwards in check. Leah Frye, Steph Wilson, Andi King and Irene Arrotta controlled the ball in the middle to set up great scoring chances.
Tuesday on Marshall #2, Ashley Krause buried a great, curling shot past keeper Katie Hatten as the NET Celtics snuffed the Blazers 1-0.
The Celtics controlled the pace and kept the majority of play down in the Blazers’ end.
“It was nice to come out running hard from the opening whistle, especially the first game of the season,” said Celtic coach Graham Ross.
Brittney Rutter was a standout on the NET defence, controlling the back line.
