With 17 players returning from last year’s squad, the Immaculata Mustangs had plenty of motivation to improve on their third-place showing at the 2012 B.C. Catholic Schools girls soccer championship.
Last weekend in Vancouver, it was mission accomplished for the Mustangs who claimed the gold medal at 2013 provincial finals without allowing a single goal.
In the championship game on Saturday, the Mustangs defeated Little Flower Academy 2-0.
After some early missed chances by Immaculata, including one corner kick that bounced inside the 6-yard box, Mustangs goalie Emily Haber was called upon to make some big saves to keep the game scoreless through the first half.
In the second half, Leaghan Penkala picked up an Olivia Johnson cross, and made no mistake to give the Mustangs a 1-0 lead. Once again, Haber stepped up with some big key saves to pre sere the one-goal lead. Then, Emma Johnson would intercept a pass-back to the keeper, and put home the insurance marker to secure the win and gold medal.
Jaedyn Penkala was named the tournament MVP, while Emma Johnson and Erin Graham were named to the tournament all-star team.
Emily Haber was awarded the top keeper of the tournament by allowing no goals against in fives games.
On opening day, the Mustangs scored a pair of lopsided wins, 8-0 over St. Ann’s from Kamloops and 6-0 over St. John Brebeuf from Abbotsford.
On Day 2, scored a pair of tights wins, 1-0 over Holy Cross from Surrey, and 1-0 over Archbishop Carney Secondary School from Port Coquitlam to earn a berth in the final.
It was the Mustangs’ first B.C. Catholic Schools title since 2007.
Immaculata will now focus on defending its Okanagan Valley girls title, while also looking to win its first provincial A championship since 2009.
