Controllers crack Kickers
The Controllers put forward their best effort of the season to shut out the undefeated Vernon Chick Kickers 3-0 in the North Okanagan Women’s Soccer Association Masters Division Wednesday night at Marshall Field #1
Danielle Dunsmore started the scoring, receiving a Deanna Baker header and driving it off a defender in the 15th minute. Michelle Mercer’s 30-yard cross found Krista Backer, who slammed it off the post just before the half.
In the second half, Shawn Yargeau’s free kick found Dunsmore in full stride alone behind the defenders, and Dunsmore beat the keeper from 18 yards out to complete the scoring.
A strong midfield effort from Leslie Epp, Ang Durfeld, Krista Copeland and Backer, led by Dairy Queen Player of the Match Mercer, allowed the 6-1-1 Controllers a quick transition. Wernicke was solid as the Kickers improved to 7-1.
In other Masters play, Vernon Square Liquor Store North Okanagan United blanked the Seasons in the Okanagan Sistas 3-0 at Marshall #3.
Rita Tedesco scored off a free kick, Wendy Stevens deflected in a blast from Teresa Collins and Char McNaught after a collision between Sarah Kwantes and Sistas’ keeper Nicole Langner left the ball waiting nicely for McNaught.
Dar Wiese recorded the shutout, stopping a penalty shot from Andrea Zubot.
NOU (4-4-1) got great play from youngster Cheryl Roddis, solid centre control by Shelley Henry and nimble runs from (Lean) Lena Dean.
The 0-1-7 Sistas’ Nicole Langner made some great saves and continues to gain confidence.
Gators deliver slo-pitch pennant
The Whitehouse Mortgage Gators clinched the Vernon Women’s Slo-Pitch League pennant with a 23-16 win over Dave’s Mobile Mechanic Devils.
The lead switched several games until the Gators sent the Devils back to Georgia with a big fifth inning explosion.
Lead-off hitter Tiffany Discher batted 6-for-6, while Kate Carter went 5-for-6 to keep the Gators rolling. Jennifer Doyle drove in six runs on four hits, while Cortnay Solmes supplied four hits, including a home run, and three ribbies.
Late Arrival Tanya Saddleman-Joe was quickly thrown into the game (cleats barely on) due to an injury, and made an outstanding defensive play from right field, throwing the runner out at first base. She also went 2-for-2 with an RBI.
Kelly Jenner and Danielle Saddleman took control of the game from the mound for the 7-2 Gators. Playoffs go the next two Wednesday nights.
U16 United in deadlock with Kamloops
Vernon United tied Kamloops 1-1 in Thompson Okanagan Under 16 Rep Girls League play Thursday night at MacDonald Park.
Brianna Thalheimer and Alex Carter were dominant forces on the field, running hard and keeping the Kamloops players contained. Vernon held their strong defence in the second half, while Tessa Coulthard opened their offence.
Danika Damini, Megan Prentice and Kendall Tomiak all played well, helping Vernon keep possession in Kamloops’ end in the second half.
Kamloops answered back by firing one high on keeper Candice Lipski with a few minutes left.
Vernon hosts Kelowna United today (10 a.m.) at Marshall Field in their last league game.
Quotable…
“Sometimes I need to clear my head and put things in perspective. I don’t know if they have any seawalls in Boston but I’m going to look for one.” Canucks’ netminder Roberto Luongo, drawing laughs from the media as he talked about preparing for Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals in Boston after his shutout performance in Game 5 Friday night.
