WSR bags girls IFL crown

A William S. Reyes Elementary School player is left alone to battle the ball against three Garapan Elementary School bets during their title game in the girls division of the 2014 NMIFA U12 Interscholastic Football League last Saturday at the Hopwood Junior High School Field. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

Pauline Grace Joyce and Katrina Costales scored one goal apiece in the title win, as the Kingfishers notched their second girls championship after ruling the inaugural tournament in 2008 against Koblerville Elementary School, 2-0. WSR became only the second school to top the annual competition twice, joining the company of Gregorio T. Camacho Elementary School, which won the girls tiara in 2010 and 2012. Dandan Elementary School (2009), Oleai Elementary School (2011), and Whispering Palms (2013) were the other past champions in the girls league.

The newly crowned champion prevailed in this year’s tournament despite facing an early 0-1 deficit. WSR trailed, as Garapan’s Sue Ann Huevos found the back of the net right into the third minute of the first half. Four minutes later, Joyce retaliated to even up the count, while Costales broke the deadlock with her goal in the 19th minute or just one minute before the opening frame wrapped up.

In the second half, WSR spent most of its time playing defense to limit Garapan’s scoring opportunities and foil the Mallards’ bid for another deadlock.

Melissa Dickinson coached WSR in the title match, as the Kingfishers’ head coach—Jude Loste—was at the other pitch calling the shot in the team’s boys finals showdown against Saipan International School.

Dickinson’s starters for the finals were Costales, Joyce, Kristelle Itaas, Pauline Viray, Shermaine Francisco, Raenna Ramarui, Jayce Gilles, Rainalyn Reyes, and Dianavher Naanep. Other members of the squad were Irish Viray, Shakira Francisco, and Joannah Carreon.

Meanwhile, in the battle for third place, San Vicente Elementary School whipped Koblerville Elementary School, 6-0.

The Top 3 finishers in the division received trophies in a brief award ceremony attended by Northern Mariana Islands Football Association officials. NMIFA also handed out the Golden Boot award in the girls division with San Vicente’s Barbara Peteru winning the coveted plum with her 21 goals. She scored five in the third place match and also hit the board in the Canaries’ five other games. Costales finished second with her 12, while Joyce rounded out the Top 3 after tallying 10.

Meanwhile, results of the boys finale between SIS and WSR will be reported in Saipan Tribune’s Tuesday edition.