The Nelson Selects U14 girls side continued their Kootenay dominance on both sides of the ball to earn a shot at the Provincial B Cup in July.
The U14s headed to Creston for the provincial playdowns on Saturday and came away with a perfect 4-0, not allowing a single goal in the process.
In their first test on a very cold and rainy Saturday, Nelson faced Kootenay South in what would turn out to be the closest match of the weekend. Midway through the first half, Brownwyn Sutherland opened up the scoring by converting a rebound from the Kootenay South keeper. Despite numerous scoring chances by both sides, Sutherland’s goal turned out to be the lone marker and Nelson won by the narrow margin of 1-0.
Saturday afternoon the U14s faced the side from Creston and completely dominated with a relentless attack. Darian Voisard opened up the scoring with less than two minutes played, followed by two goals from Naomi Perkins and a single from Lakpa Dietz to make the tally 4-0 at the half. Voisard was unstoppable in the second half adding three more goals and a goal from Camille Gebhart made the final score 8-0.
Sunday morning, the Selects faced the squad from Cranbrook and controlled play for most of the game. Despite many quality scoring opportunities, Nelson was unable to convert until Gebhart opened up the scoring with an impressive strike from outside the penalty area. Late in the second half Gebhart once again found the back of the net by finishing a well struck corner kick from defender Merissa Dawson. No other goals were scored, giving Nelson their third consecutive win with a final score of 2-0.
Finishing the tournament against the side from Columbia Valley, Nelson dominated play once again. Strikers Voisard and Dietz both posted singles in the first half, giving Nelson a 2-0 lead at the break. Early in the second half, Emily Graeme found the back of the net, followed by a successful penalty kick by Dawson to make the final score 4-0.
Coaches Paul Burkart and Pat Perkins said it was a solid weekend for the entire team. The coaches said much of the success came from the rock solid defending of Kyra Burkart, Maya Mierau, Merissa Dawson, Kali Horner and Emma Gregorich. Keeper Haley Cooke earned an impressive tournament shutout.
The U14s will compete for provincial gold in early July in Kelowna.
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