Wow!  That’s about all I can say about that game.  Well, not quite ALL I can say...

Everyone, and I mean everyone played a great game against a tough opponent under difficult conditions.  Before the game, we discovered that Caroline would miss the rest of the year with the ankle injury she sustained in the previous game.  With only 3 substitutes, we would need help from every Diva - and we got it.

The strategy against the Richmond Hill Gators was to jump out to an early lead, tame them with suffocating defense and leave them swimming aimlessly in the swamp.  (Actually, that’s the goal in every game with different puns)  Haley provided the early fireworks with a quick crossover move and lightning strike from the right side.  Her second goal was a thing of beauty - Sarah drew the defense to herself and slid a perfectly-timed pass into the penalty area.  Haley blasted it past the helpless goalie to make the score 2-0 Divas.

The Gators  regrouped and managed to tie the score with long shots that frankly would have beaten most college goalkeepers.  Our defense, led by Cat’s 5 saves, Maggie’s 7 defensive stops and Kayla’s 6, kept the ball away from danger until they managed to slip another shot across the goal line.  Just before the half, Becca took a pass from Shelby, pushed the ball past her defender, collected it in the left corner of the box and lifted a right-footed shot inside the far post.  Halftime score - Divas 3  Gators 3.

The second half was highlighted by aggressive play from Anna (5 shots), excellent defense by Cat (6 defensive stops), Tiana and Lexi (2 each) and flawless goaltending by Sarah (4 saves).  Then, it happened...  The Play came as a result of hard work and discipline and changed the outcome from an outstanding effort to a hard-fought win.  Our midfield won the ball and pressed their defense backwards.  I think everyone on both teams touched the ball just outside their penalty box when Jinah broke from the pack, steadied herself and pounded the winning goal into the net.

Coach Sean treated the victorious Divas to ice cream at Sonic and the parents earned a day off from practice on Tuesday.

Final Score  Diamond Divas 4  Richmond Hill Gators 3