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FPCA girls shut out tourney
FPCAGirls
The FPCA Lady Highlander squad. - photo by Photo provided by Debra Sukaratana

First Presbyterian Christian Academy’s JV girls’ soccer team recently competed in the Eagle Invitational in Albany, hosted by Sherwood Christian Academy.

Coached by Tom Sukaratana, the JV squad not only dominated, the girls made history by shutting out every team they faced in the tournament.

Their first game ended 3-0 for the Highlanders. Playing against St. John’s Christian Academy, 7th graders Asyria Daniels and Brooke Standard scored and assisted for the team, while 8th grader Haley Crissman denied every attempt the opposition made on the goal.

In their second victory, the Highlanders faced Calvary Christian Academy. 8th grader Leitia Leiataua scored, assisted by 8th grader Taylor Christner. Standard and Daniels assisted each other in goals in the 3-0 win.

The third game played against hosts Sherwood Christian, Daniels scored for the fourth time in the tournament. Kelsey Higgason, the defensive backbone of the team, scored as well showing that not only was her defense impenetrable but she could put it in the net as well. Assisting, Standard grabbed her 3rd assist of the tournament. Higgason also assisted in this game. After the 2-0 shutout, the Highlanders moved into the Championship round undefeated.

Facing St. John’s again in the finals, the squad struck hard. In the 5-0 shutout, Leiataua scored a hat trick and Daniels shot in her fifth goal of the weekend. Standard had a phenomenal game, scoring a goal and assisting in the others. Daniels was awarded the All Tournament Team award, bringing yet another Championship trophy home to FPCA.

"The defense played outstanding," Coach Sukaratana said. "My defense did not allow a single goal the entire tournament. My offensive players were incredibly strong and stayed on the attack. I am so proud of this team. I am excited for their future in both JV and Varsity. I know they are going to be a very competitive team."

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