DOLPHINS REPEAT AS CHAMPS

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By Regina Shiroma

Dolphins Paige Surber lined up to take a free kick. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Under the Friday night lights, We are the Champions by Queen rang out throughout the GFA field after the Southern High Dolphins repeated as the IIAAG high school girls soccer champions, taking out the Notre Dame Royals 2-1. And for the cherry on top, they did it without a loss all season.

“It was do or die, and I didn’t know what to expect. But what I knew to expect was for my team to come out and play with all their hearts because these girls from the south, they play with so much heart,” said Southern High’s captain Paige Surber.

As this season was going to be the last for the two-time league MVP and now two soccer championships under her belt, the  senior enjoyed every second of it and could not have earned any of it without her team.

“From getting beaten in our freshmen and sophomore year, to winning championships in my junior and senior year, its indescribable, and without my team behind me, this couldn’t have happened.”

McDonald’s Player of the Game: Southern Dolphins Paige Surber

Surber broke the silence, scoring the first goal of the game in the 18th minute sending a shot into the bottom left corner, right past the keepers foot. Southern’s fans exploded with screams and cheers as Surber raised her hands in their direction.

The Dolphins controlled most of the game, as a strong midfield was able to maintain possession and distribute  continuous pressure on the Royals defense.

Tiana Sakaba sent the ball across the goal, but the Royals keeper came out to intercept it. Just as Southern’s Brielle Meno was going to turn around, the keeper mishandled the ball and Meno, in the right place and at the right time, wasted no time and blasted it into the back of the net to put her team up 2-0.

“They gave their 120% to this game. They went to every ball like I asked them to. They played with all heart and I asked them to never give up ’till that last whistle was blown and they gave me just that,” Surber added.

Not only were they motivated to repeat as champions, but also to win it for their fellow teammate and friend, Kiara “Kiki” Sanchez, who passed away just this year. The Dolphins dedicated their whole season and their championship win to Kiki.

Demi Rae Shimizu scored ND’s only goal after launching a free kick into the goal in the second half.

The Simon Sanchez Sharks took third game beating out the Academy Cougars in the consolation match 4-1. Akiko Naval, Kiara Camacho, Maria Iriarte, and Ana Capati score for the Sharks, while Gemilie Ilao scored Academy’s lone goal.

PHOTO GALLERY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Royal’s Brittney Blau moves in on Dolphin’s Zoe Surber to gain control of the ball. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Southern fans do the wave to cheer on the Dolphin team. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Dolphin’s Paige Surber continues to attack the ball while Royal’s Alahas Gumataotao moves in for control. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Dolphin’s Allysandra Cruz and Royal’s Levana Terlaje fight for control of the ball. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Dolphin’s gather around All-Island MVP Paige Surber in celebration of tonight’s win. (photo by Jesse Castro)

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