Boca Jrs 95 Girls Takes the 2007 Cal State Stanislaus 6 vs 6 Championship

                                              Turlock, CA (June 13, 2007) -- Boca Jrs 95 girls had an eventful day last Saturday in Turlock at the Cal State Stanislaus 6 vs 6 tournament playing against a variety of talented teams, including a tough contingent from Stockton.  The sunny, mild weather and the natural surface of the 50 x 44 playing field were both excellent.  However, the day did not start off well as the big home team, playing down, seemed determined to dominate the event by leveraging their size and aggressive, physical playing style.  Number 4, Bailee Lupton discovered this early in game one when she injured her ankle as she was taken out during a drive down field.  The injury was concerning enough to warrant a trip to the ER for some X-rays which turned up a nasty sprain.

The day held many other note worthy events, including an appearance by Tara who did a great job in the box, especially considering that she is new to comp soccer; she's not afraid to stick her chin out there.  Also performing wonderfully as keeper was #19, Maddy Deters.  And without checking my facts first, I am going to go out on a limb and suggest that #11, Elena Hanson performed the first of the season goal-on-a-header, thanks to her skilled noggin and a perfect corner kick by #17, Julia Crawford.

Number 2, Missy Hanson, swept up both the front and back field alike in her fury.  Number 23, Bailie Poe, kept the backfield nice and clean bringing her own hard charging style to the event and number 7, Julia Beck was on fire, as per usual battling it out all over the field all day long opening up opportunities by constantly pressing hard.  Number 3, Taylor Nelson worked her magic dribbling down the line, faking her opponents time and time again, and #6, Clare Carroll, was there performing so many break-aways and shots on goal that the statisticians have given up trying to record it all.

Although Boca ended up losing that first game against Turlock, they maintained good standing by winning subsequent games.  The good weather did not change too much but the misfortune in the first game changed dramatically in the second meeting with the Turlock Tornados.  Early in the match with this physical team, #13, Marian Haarmeyer was struck by the goal keeper, sending her to the ground hard.  Coach kept her in the game, and she met the challenge by stepping up the pressure and applying her own brand of aggressive play despite a second flagrant foul against her which lead to yet another foul, a direct free kick and a penalty kick, ultimately resulting in a hard earned goal by #18, Courteney Craney.  In the second half, Boca kept the energy level very high and the tide had turned as the big team got tired and soon thereafter mentally collapsed with #5, Lizzy Hutchison pulling off a hat trick!  Is that a Boca Jrs 95 first? New territory or not, it was exciting to see the bigger team being beaten by a smaller, younger team.

The excitement was not over, though.  Boca played its full roster meeting the Tornados once more in the championship game, again coming out on top with another victory and the title by way of another great team effort.  Number 15, Emily Hansen, who normally keeps the back field safe was up front showing us that she can score, too.  Way to go!  Number 9, Brigid Lummis, who I hear is contractually obligated to provide at least 2 goals at each event also sent one to the back of the net in addition to keeping the intense pressure on and generally making things happen.  Everyone pitched in to run Turlock ragged.  Number 19, Maddy Deters passing and striking hard!  And Boca had help from two Boca Jrs 95 Blue players as well: Alyssa Zuniga and Tarryn Johnson who stepped right up and played brilliantly.

Great job everyone! Great team work!