By James Sablan
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
SAIPAN Southern High School concluded the girls’ high school division regular season of the PSS-NMIFA Interscholastic Soccer League SY25-26 on a high note, defeating Marianas High School JV, 2-0, Thursday at the NMI Soccer Training Center. The victory secured SSHS the No. 2 seed heading into the playoff round with three wins and one loss.
SSHS set the tone early, peppering the goal with shot after shot. Although MHS JV withstood the majority of the pressure, SSHS’s Rosie Saralu broke the deadlock in the 24th minute, giving her team a 1-0 lead heading into halftime.
MHS JV tried to tighten their defense in the second half, but SSHS’s relentless pressure eventually paid off. In the 62nd minute, Saralu capitalized on a defensive lapse to score her second goal, extending the lead to 2-0. SSHS held on to secure the win.
The victory solidified SSHS’s spot as the No. 2 seed for the semifinals, where they will face Saipan International School on Tuesday, Feb. 24, at 5 p.m.
SIS vs KHS
On the adjacent pitch, Saipan International School dominated Kagman High School, 5-0. SIS stormed to a 4-0 halftime lead, powered by Julie Chavez, who scored in the 7th and 12th minutes, and Yeji Jang, who added a goal in the 19th. Chavez completed her hat-trick with a third goal in the 31st minute. Kagman tightened their defense in the second half and allowed only one more goal, falling 5-0.
The undefeated Marianas High School V will face Kagman in the semifinals at 5 p.m. on the adjacent pitch.
James Sablan has been a sports reporter for Variety since 2013. He was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College and covers all local sports.
