U14 Striker girls win Northwest Cup title

SPOKANE — The Sandpoint Strikers U14 Girls team won the Silver Challenge Division Championship of the Northwest Cup in Spokane last weekend, going 5-0 with a 1-0 victory over Coeur d’Alene Sting in the finals.

Led by veteran goalkeeper Athena Robinson, the defensive team of Jahna Briggs, Katie Maddux, Lily DeAragon and Makayla Sundquist only gave up one goal the entire weekend, with Sundquist scoring on a set piece in early pool play, assisted by Robinson.

Led by Captain Kendra Corless, the midfield team of Meghan Parsley, Alanna Robinson, Danielle Garity, Katie Flood and Lillie Hawkins kept tight control of the field both offensively and defensively, showing great determination in leading a consistently strong possession style attack from the defensive third.

Co-captain Emma Weme, Sierra Scott, Brittany Dorland and new team member Laurel Flood excelled in making several directed attacks that resulted in the overall win, with game-winning goals scored by both Corless and Weme. Although contending with several old injuries and the usual bumps and bruises that come with soccer tournaments, the Sandpoint ladies maintained a strong and unified effort and relied on superior conditioning and teamwork to bring home the championship.

Corless was named tournament MVP by coach Todd Robinson for her fearless attacking, brilliant tactical moves and strong leadership throughout the weekend against some tough local and Spokane-area clubs.

Coach Todd Robinson would like to thank assistant Coach Brenan Weme and team manager Christine Parsley for their dedication and hard work, and all the team parents for their consistent support of the Strikers soccer program and the U14 girls team.

In turn the team and parents would like to thank coach Robinson for the incredible devotion he has for the team and his exceptional rapport with the girls.