Southridge's senior girls soccer team has brought home provincial gold — again.
For the second year in a row, the Southridge Storm senior girls squad captured the 'A' provincial championship title. Held in Duncan May 29-31 this year, the tournament featured 16 teams from across the province.
En route to repeating as champions, the Storm went the entire tournament conceding only two goals, a Southridge release noted.
After a come-from-behind win over Nechako Valley in their opening match, the girls went on to win three of their final four games, including convincing wins over Credo Christian School and tournament hosts Duncan Christian in the final.
In the title game, Caitlin von Hahn scored two goals and Adela Lott netted one in a 3-1 Storm victory.
"This was truly a team effort with six different players contributing goals," the release said. "Meghan McDonald, Hayley Truong and Anna Plante anchored the midfield, while the backline featuring Addie McMullin, Sophia Purewall, and Jenna Stobbs were rock solid all tournament. The Storm controlled the play in all of their games with great interplay and passing."
McDonald, who scored five goals and controlled the midfield, was named tournament MVP.
The team’s success on the field attests to their skill and ability but also to the cohesiveness of the group. Off the field, they were extremely supportive of each other and forged bonds with team activities such as Uno, team dinners and a scavenger hunt, the release continued.
"In sports, one of the hardest things to do is to repeat as champions, and this group of girls did exactly that," coach Erin-Marie Alhayek said.
“We had a season full of ups and downs — including not having any games in the six weeks leading into the provincial championships. The girls truly came together and peaked at the right moment. Their performance, both individually and as a group, improved as the tournament progressed and everyone was at their best in the final. I am so proud.”
