A 3-2 victory over the Kalamalka Lakers clinched the AA Okanagan Valley championship for the Princess Margaret Mustangs senior girls soccer team.
The Mustangs were rewarded after a hard-fought win in Vernon.
“These girls play their hearts out, have high skills and are very coachable, all while being multi-sport athletes,” said coach John Buckley.
The Mustangs, who are also South Zone champs, opened the valley’s with a loss to the Fulton Lady Maroons in penalty kicks. Buckley said his players dominated possession and created several good scoring chances. They bounced back in the second game, defeating Seaton Secondary Sonics from Vernon 4-0. Nicole Mann led with three goals, while Ardessa Alleyn added the fourth. Jessie Olfert, Taylor Corrie, Jasper Pankratz and Shayla Hearne performed strong in the midfield building the attack. Jessica Castle and Gillian Kennedy used their speed on the wing, while Lexi Grady and Jordan Broe’s strong work ethic in tackling established possession.
The third game was against Kamloops’ Sahali Sabres, a veteran squad. The Mustangs built a solid 3-0 lead with great passing and fast attacks. Mann tallied a pair of goals while Corrie scored the third. The Sabres scored a late marker for a 3-1 final. Playing strong defence for the Mustangs were McKenzie Ricard, Deb Rose, Kari-Grace Pym, Sydney McKinlay and Riley McKinlay. Caitlyn Spooner played her best game in goal on the championship day.
The Mustangs, who won 15 of 17 games this season, will travel to Courtenay for provincials May 29 to June 1.
“Princess Margaret’s athletic program is on a roll as it has captured three valley championships, two seconds and three third places in volleyball, basketball, tennis and soccer,” said Buckley. “This is the seventh Mustang squad to qualify for provincials over two school years in a school loaded with athletes and strong coaches.”