Another game down and Ponoka Storm’s U-14 girls’ soccer team were in contention to make it to playoffs after beating Lacombe 3-0 at home June 16.
Coach Greg Bendera says he was impressed with their performance, especially when player Leah Jensen challenged the Lacombe goalie scored. He takes a different approach when getting them ready for a game.
“Before the game I get them to relax,” said Bendera.
That tactic worked for this game since Lacombe remained scoreless at the end of the match. Ponoka Storm scored three goals in the first half and then held Lacombe against any attempt they had at scoring.
“I teach them that the ball is ours,” explained Bendera. “We don’t want the opponent to have our ball.”
The next day the U-14 girls faced Rocky Mountain House and tied 1-1. Bendera said the game was tough on his team who had only 11 players. Rocky Mountain House scored during an injury, he added.
The girls then played against the undefeated Sylvan Lake Blizzards who were able to keep Ponoka at bay with a 2-0 win.
Provincials qualifiers
The U-14 girls won their first round robin match 6-0 over Stettler during the provincial qualifiers in Lacombe last weekend then lost 3-2 to Camrose and 2-0 to Rimbey. The team is playing a league semi-final playoff match tonight in Rocky Mountain House. The winner will play in the final on June 25.