Nakusp’s Big Fuss tournament proved to be a good provincial training ground for the Princess Margaret Mustangs.
The defending Okanagan Valley champs won the Kootenay tournament over the May 2 weekend.
Coach John Buckley said they used the tournament to help his players develop their team game in preparation for hosting the Provincials May 29-31 at King’s Park. The Mustangs put their undefeated record on the line and in the championship game battled through rain while putting their skills and toughness on display. Danielle Ruocco scored both Mustang goals on set ups by Taylor Corrie, Jessie Olfert and Sydney McKinlay.
The Mustangs opened with a 2-0 win against Trail’s JL Crowe Hawks. The Mustangs received strong efforts from Olfert, McKenzie Ricard, Corrie, and Sydney McKinlay. Ruocco, Kaycee McKinnon and Jasper Pancratz led the offensive attack.
The Mustangs sealed their second win, 4-0 against Creston’s Prince Charles Secondary Bulldogs to clinch first place in their pool. Jordan Broe, Ardessa Alleyn, Gillian Kennedy, Alyshia Coleman, Sierra Voellor, Lyndsey Selles had strong performances. In the Mustangs’ final game before the championship, their dominance over the Oliver Hornets continued in a 4-0 decision. Bench players Vanessa Harris, Madison and Brooklyn Cook, as well as Sinclaire Lovett played well to help seal the win. A quick passing game allowed the Mustangs to have outside attacking runs and create numerous scoring chances. Playing without their starting goalie, Rylee McKinlay stepped up to earn four shutouts.
Next up is for the Mustangs to defend the Okanagan Valley. Buckley, along with assistant coaches Rich Corrie and Mark McKinlay feel the team is playing some of its best soccer.
The Valley Championships are in Kelowna May 13 and 14.