The De Anza Flash, a U16 girls
’ class 3 soccer team composed entirely of players from Gilroy,
San Martin and Morgan Hill, scored seven goals and allowed only two
in four games to take second place at the prestigious Napa
tournament during Labor Day weekend.
NAPA – The De Anza Flash, a U16 girls’ class 3 soccer team composed entirely of players from Gilroy, San Martin and Morgan Hill, scored seven goals and allowed only two in four games to take second place at the prestigious Napa tournament during Labor Day weekend.
Alison Wan, Katie Ramos, Brittany Barns, Kendra Sato, Cayla Derry and Kelly Logan shared the scoring to lead their team into the championship game past Danville’s Mustang Horsepower, Napa’s Pumas and Fair Oaks’ Wildcats.
In the championship against the Rocklin’s Firebirds, goalkeeper Melanie Regan made a great deflection of a hard low shot to her right only to have another Firebird make an excellent follow-up shot to score.
Regan had solid play in her first ever soccer tournament while Shelly Pund, Maurya Campeau, Jessica Seifert and Trish Dunwoodie sealed the back.
Five minutes after Rocklin’s goal, the Flash struck back as Barnes, with her back to the goal, collected a pass from Sarah Whitling, turned, split two defenders on the dribble and shot the ball to the goalie’s right.
The second half turned physical as both teams struggled through their fourth game in two days. Nicole Hovey stood up to heavy pressure and used her strength and speed to stifle Rocklin’s attack. The game ended 1-1 and the tournament closed with penalty kicks.
Throughout the weekend, the Flash treated their fans to a wonderful display of teamwork and heart as they incorporated physical defense, crisp wall passes, successful 1v1’s and timely changes in point of attack to keep their opponents off balance.
“These athletes have proven that they can win,” said assistant coach Joe Ascolese, who was the Santa Clara University captain in the team’s last two Final Four appearances. “This is a great start to what is going to be a great season, and we have three more chances to take first in a tournament.”
The Flash starts league play this Saturday, Sept. 6, and the season ends Nov. 15.
The team will play in the Santa Cruz Classic and District Cup tournaments and has applied to the Almaden Classic.
With only 13 rostered players, the team could use two more players. If interested, call Ballan Campeau at 782-2853 or email ba********@*ol.com.
