If at first you don't succeed, try again. The Battlefords U18/U16 combined girls' developmental soccer team earned a second chance against one of their rivals during a tournament in Saskatoon and made the most of their opportunity.
June 4 to 6, the Stringers were in Saskatoon for the Harder Avalon Classic Soccer Tournament, a tournament the team has competed in during previous seasons and had some success.
The first game, Friday night, had the Stingers up against the Aurora Crash. Sheridyn Graham scored the Stingers' loan goal, as they fell 5-1 to start the tournament.
Saturday morning, the girls were able to regroup and played a better match against the Humboldt Hurricanes. The Stingers trailed 2-0 at half time, but battled back thanks to goals by Vicki Loran and Jessica Landrie. The final score was a 2-2 tie.
Later Saturday, the Stingers picked up their first win in convincing fashion over the Aurora Roadrunners. Graham scored twice with Kendra Humenny scoring once in the 3-0 win.
Sunday morning, produced a must win for the Stingers and they responded well in that situation. The Stingers came out hard against the Moose Jaw Storm and finished with a 4-0 win. Jocelyn Thomas scored twice and Graham and Kachur had singles.
The win put the Stingers in the tournament final and they once again played the Aurora Crush.
The Stingers were determined not to lose to the Crush twice in the same weekend and they played a strong first half with great ball possession.
After a scoreless first half, the Crush scored the game's first goal early into the second half.
The Stingers used a corner kick to get their first goal, as an injured Thomas jumped up and headed in the corner kick to tie the game 1-1.
Nearly 10 minutes later, Kachur placed a perfect shot by the Crush's goalkeeper and the Stingers held on to win 2-1.
The local girls played well all weekend and appeared to save their best for their last game and left Saskatoon with a plaque and championship medals.
Division II and III north and south playdowns are scheduled for July 3 and 4 with provincials in Lloydminster July 23 to 25.
