St. Nicholas Girls’ win B Division hockey title after thrilling penalty shootout

By Marvin Lowe

Delta Sports Complex, Tuesday, March 23, 2009 – CHIJ St. Nicholas Girls’ beat Teck Whye Secondary 3-0 in a thrilling penalty shootout to capture the B Division Hockey Championship title.

It was an evenly-matched contest with both teams comparable in terms of strength and skills. The first chances of the game fell to St Nicholas. With their blistering speed, they charged straight into the Teck Whye’s penalty area and earned the first short corner of the game. However, they did not make full use of this oppourtunity and they failed to score.

The Teck Whye team quickly countered and had a goal scoring opportunity which they spurned as well. Not long after, a second short corner was awarded to St Nicholas. This time they blew the shot over the bar.

Most of the battle was in the midfield area and both teams struggled to take control of it. It was no surprise that the half-time score was 0-0.

As the second half began, Teck Whye began pushing forward with greater intensity, applying more pressure on the St Nicholas goal. They were duly awarded a short corner but it was quickly snuffed out by the St Nicholas defense.

As the clock began winding down, Teck Whye started earning more short corners but failed to convert any of them.

With the score still 0-0, it was down to golden goal extra-time. Teck Whye dominated the extra time periods while the St Nicholas defense absorbed their waves of attacks. In the second half of extra-time, Teck Whye were awarded a short corner. Knowing that this could be their final chance to win, the short corner team executed their routine to perfection. However, the St Nicholas goalkeeper made a spectacular save to prevent the goal. The defense then tried to scramble the ball to safetly but conceded another short corner. Yet again, the Teck Whye short corner was foiled and the game was sent into penalties.

In goal for Teck Whye was last year’s C division goalkeeper who was the hero when she saved three penalty flicks against the C Division St Nicholas team to help her team to the title. However, this wasn’t to be her year. This time round, the St Nicholas team slammed 3 shots passed her while her teammates failed to score any.

On the other hand, the St Nicholas goalkeeper, Joan, made four spectacular saves to help her team to emerge 3-0 winners and claim the B Division title.

St Nicholas captain, Janna, was extremely happy and proud of her team and also shared her thoughts on the penalty flicks.

“Being the first to take the penalty, I know I have to be confident so as to inspire the rest of my team. This is my last time playing for Saint Nicholas, so I realized I just have to give my all.”

St Nicholas goalkeeper, Joan, also echoed similar sentiments.

“I just had to save the ball no matter what, even if I have to die trying, I will still save it.”