Saipan International School players pose for a photo with NMIFA and PSS officials after winning the girls middle school division title of the PSS-NMIFA Interscholastic Soccer League SY24-25 at the NMI Soccer Training Center on Tuesday.
SAIPAN International School reclaimed the girls middle school division championship by outhustling Hopwood Middle School, 1-0, in a thrilling finale of the PSS-NMIFA Interscholastic Soccer League SY24-25 at the NMI Soccer Training Center on Tuesday.
Both teams gave it their all throughout 50 minutes of back-and-forth action.
Early in the first half, HMS controlled most of the possessions and applied constant pressure as they moved further into enemy territory to create a handful of shot attempts, but to no avail.
After 12 minutes of play, SIS had their turn to go on the offensive led by Beatrice Gross, but they, too, failed to find any opening.
Most of the remaining exchanges were made within the center of the field with neither team able to break the silence.
In the second half, the teams fought vigorously for the first 10 minutes.
SIS managed to gain the momentum and found themselves within striking distance. HMS’ defensive line seemed to have everything under control, but the scuffle soon turned into a loose possession which found SIS’ Beatrice Gross unguarded about 10 feet away from the goal. She decided to go with a low power shot that slipped past the HMS goalkeeper and found the back of the net at the 38th minute mark to grasp the lead, 1-0.
SIS stayed aggressive and forced HMS to play defense rather than offense. HMS had to accept defeat.
Beatrice was named the Most Valuable Player and the Golden Boot awardee with a total of 22 goals throughout the season.
Taking third place was Dandan Middle School, which trounced Tanapag Middle School, 7-0.
