PIC confronted Smithereens with smothering defense in the final 15-minute overtime to hang on to one-point advantage which PIC team captain, Brenda Schultz scored in penalty kick during the first five minutes of the first overtime.
Noi Horey thwarted a near-scoring attempt as Smithereens surged past PIC squad’s tight defense all the way to the 18 yard line.
PIC stood their ground and held the score to 2-1 to claim the victory.
Smithereens were undefeated claiming the top spot with 12 points as this year’s Spring League started on May 10.
During May 26 game, they shut out PIC, 2-0 with team captain Nikki Gabaldon making both the scores and goal keepers Jolene and Maria Ornes depriving PIC the chance to score.
Smithereens in fact scored first 20 minutes into the first half of the game.
A pass from forward, Maryana Gramlich to Nola Hixx resulted in the first goal of the match.
PIC responded at the 37 minute mark with PIC’s Schultz’ rocketing from 20 yards that found the top right corner just pass the outstreched arms of Smithereens goalkeeper Maria Ornes.
Both teams managed to get through the 18 yard box and made several attempts but showed solid determination to prevent either team from scoring leading the 1-1 score to a grueling 15-overtime.
Wild Fire 2, Blues 0
A pass from Patty Coleman gave Lindsay Davis the chance to score in 30th minute of the first half as she made it right inside the 18-yard box.
Davis was to score in a penalty kick in the 35th minute but missed as it went wide just almost hitting the right upper corner of the goal.
Jamie Beavies made the winning score five minutes in the second half as scored a lose ball in the box. Blues goalie managed to grab it and throw but the ball found its way back to the goal from Beavies’ kick.
The Marianas Eye Spectacular Blues had numerous offensives to score but did not succeed.
Women’s Committee Director Francine Sablan, in an awards rites that followed thanked Northern Mariana Islands Football Association, the sponsors, the referees, and the players for this year’s “great season.”
She also thanked the members of the Women’s Committee, Coleman, Rebecca Newman, Davis, Vanesa Pritchard and Ornes for their support in organizing another successful season.
“It was a wonderful season. I am so impressed by the performance and positive attitudes of the players,” Sablan said.
NMIFA Executive Committee member Peter Coleman added that the NMIFA is very proud of the success of the Women’s Football Program.
The coveted Fair Play award for the team was awarded to the Marianas Eye Spectacular Blues.
The team captains also recognized their Most Improved and Most Inspirational Players.
For the PIC, Chantelle Voutilainen was awarded most improved; Smithereens, Wendy Rider; Wild Fire, Angie Mister and Spectacular Blues, Amber Roberts.
PIC’s Nicolette Seckeler, Smithereens’ Maria Ornes, Wild Fires’ Shauna Brown and Spectacular Blues’ Rebecca Newman were awarded Most Inspirational.
The first perpetual trophy was awarded to the league. Champions in the past two years were included on the trophy and the new champion will be added to this notable list.
The perpetual trophy will be held by the team’s sponsor Pacific Islands Club along with a photo of the team at PIC until the Fall 2008 season.
