The U15 DS Panthers played with incredible
determination and heart throughout the weekend, battling their way into
the tournament final. The team began the weekend with a decisive 3-0 win
over the North Bay Junior Lakers. A few more gutsy efforts in closely
contested games, including a tight 1-0 battle with the St. Catharines
Jr. Brock Badgers and a draw against the Whitby Wildcats, gave the U15
DS squad the momentum they needed to reach the quarter-finals.
In the quarters, the Panthers put it all together and jumped out to an early 2-0 lead. They never let up, finishing the game with a 4-3 victory that sent them to the tournament final. Despite giving their all and showcasing remarkable skill, they came up just short, falling 1-0 to the undefeated Stoney Creek team.
Their effort, teamwork, and sportsmanship were truly commendable. Solid defensive play from Kaiya Rutherford, Kathleen Passmore, Aislin McConkey, Coco Zhao, Lauren Rowsome, Shannon O'Grady, and Ivanka Vujkuf was balanced by the offensive threat of Kaiya Burton, Eva McNamara, Milania Pingitore, Lily Smith, Marissa Perry, Tori Rochette, Siena Leon, Ella Bowler, and Isla Herce. Consistent and dependable goaltending was provided by Izzy Toscan all weekend long.
Now at the midpoint of the season, the tournament finalist U15 DS team looks forward to continuing to make their mark as a team to reckon with.