Williams Lake played host to the AA girls soccer North Central Zone championships this past weekend where a berth to the upcoming provincial championships was on the line.
A total of five teams competed over the three days: Peter Skene Ogden from 100 Mile House, host Lake City Falcons and three teams from Prince George: Duchess Park, College Heights and Prince George secondary.
Sunny skies saw The Falcons take on PSO in their first game Sunday where they were cheered on by the cheerleading squad to a 6-0 victory. Spurred on by a large audience of their peers and family members the Falcons kept the momentum going against PGSS in their evening game, managing a 3-1 victory.
Monday, the Falcons played Duchess Park in the morning while numerous classes came out to support their team, rooting the team on to a 2-0 victory.
The final game of the round robin for the Falcons saw Lake City face College Heights.
READ MORE: Falcons set for kickoff at North Central Zone Soccer Championships
Both teams were undefeated and knew they were going to face each other in the gold medal final the next day but still played to a 1-1 tie during regulation, before the Falcons took the game, 2-1, in a shootout.
The gold medal match was played Tuesday morning.
“Both teams pushed hard — playing a more physical game than the day before,” said Falcons coach Caitlin Sabatino.
“The play was very even, and we had some good scoring chances but unfortunately couldn’t find the net.”
The Falcons wound up falling 1-0 to take home the silver, with College Heights earning the berth at provincials, should they choose to attend.
Both Sabatino and assistant Danielle Goward said they were happy with the girls’ performance over the course of the weekend.
READ MORE: Falcons get primed for season at Lower Mainland tourney
“With work and school commitments it’s hard to get all the girls practicing together, so it always takes a game or two to hit your stride in these tournaments,” Sabatino said.
Two of the Falcons were recognized by the officials and coaches as being exemplary players: Brityn Hinsche won top goalie handily while Dylan Passeri took home top striker.
The Falcons, meanwhile, will lose several Grade 12s on their roster next year, but Sabatino said the girls coming up look really strong.
“Hopefully a trip to provincials is just a year way,” she said.
Sabatino added she would like to thank all the officials and volunteers who helped make hosting the zone tournament possible.
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