SAIPAN International School’s reign will continue for another school year after it defeated Saipan Southern High School, 4-2, in the girls high school division championship match of the PSS-NMIFA Interscholastic Soccer League SY24-25 at the NMI Soccer Training Center on Thursday.
It was an intense finale as both teams gave it their all.
SIS started off as the aggressor, with Kaithlyn Chavez leading the frontline. Using her skills, power, and speed, she posed the biggest threat throughout the match.
In the 18th minute of the first half, SIS’ relentless pressure forced SSHS into an own goal.
Down 1-0, SSHS quickly sought to recover with a sudden shift in momentum. Within the next six minutes, Rosie Saralu took over the highlight reel as her team worked tirelessly to create an opening for her. In the 24th minute, she found the back of the net to even the score at 1-1.
SSHS picked up where it left off in the second half, as it took only a few minutes for Saralu to celebrate another goal.
However, just two minutes later, SIS regained control with Chavez at the helm once again — this time, sharing the spotlight with the rest of the team. Addalee Taflinger, Aubrey White, Euanne Claveria, and Irin Chung played vital roles in setting up Chavez, who delivered three unanswered goals in the 41st, 63rd, and 70th minutes to secure the championship, 4-2.
Chavez’s stellar performance in the finals and throughout the season earned her the MVP and Golden Boot awards, finishing the season with a total of 32 goals.
In the battle for third place, Marianas High School V outplayed Kagman High School V, 6-1.
Saipan International School players pose with the girls high school division championship trophy of the PSS-NMIFA Interscholastic Soccer League SY24-25 at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville.
Saipan Southern High School players pose with the 2nd place trophy in the girls high school division of the PSS-NMIFA Interscholastic Soccer League SY24-25 at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville.
SIS’ Kaithlyn Chavez defends the ball against SSHS’ Rosie Saralu during the girls high school division finals of the PSS-NMIFA Interscholastic Soccer League SY24-25 at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville.
