By James Sablan
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Variety News Staff
SAIPAN International School and Marianas High School V are set to meet in the final of the girls high school division of the PSS-NMIFA Interscholastic Soccer League SY25-26 after edging their respective opponents in Tuesday night’s semifinal matches at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville.
SIS punched its ticket to the championship match after orchestrating a second-half surge to defeat Saipan Southern High School, 4–2.
The action intensified early, with both sides vying for control of possession. In the 8th minute, SSHS found Rosie Saralu in space, and she delivered the opening goal to take a 1–0 lead. SIS responded quickly, breaking through the defense three minutes later as Asa Backe found the back of the net in the 11th minute to level the match at 1–1.
Saralu struck again minutes later to restore SSHS’ advantage, 2–1. SSHS maintained control for much of the remainder of the first half, but in the 27th minute, Addalee Taflinger finished a scoring opportunity to even the score at 2–2 heading into halftime.
Momentum shifted in the second half as SIS applied relentless pressure. SSHS struggled to mount an attack and eventually lost its defensive shape late in the match. Raven Anderson scored in the 59th minute and added another in stoppage time (70+1) to seal the 4–2 victory and secure SIS’ place in the final.
On the adjacent pitch, Marianas High School V dominated Kagman High School, 14–0. Aubrey White led the charge with 11 goals in the first half. Kagman forfeited the second half, sending MHS V into the final against SIS.
The championship match between SIS and MHS V will be played next Tuesday following the third-place match between KAG and SSHS.
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.
