[sixcol_five_last]

By Regina Shiroma

Though the GW Geckos lost to the Notre Dame Royals two out of three times during the season, the Geckos grabbed the win when it counted the most, the championship. The Geckos defended their title slipping past the Royals 7-5 Saturday afternoon at Wettengel Field.

Thanks to a big run by GW’s Jade Cruz, the Geckos were at the Royals’ 22. The quick Maricia Mariano scored the first try of the game off a 5-meter scrum putting her Geckos up 5-0. Mariano also made in the kick going up 7-0.

Though the Geckos were still up at the half that did not discourage the Royals. Demi Rae Shimizu scored a long one down the sideline at the kickoff to close in on the Geckos. Unfortunately for the Royals, Shimizu’s kick went wide right and the score remained at 7-5.

McDonald’s player of the game: Geckos’ Maricia Mariano

Mariano would get another long run down the field for the Geckos, but was stopped short my Shimizu at the 22. Shimizu was given a penalty for jersey slinging, and the ball was back in the Geckos possession. A few rucks later, the final whistle was blown and the Geckos celebrated their second title in a row.

“I was really nervous about it because they’re a really competitive team as always, but I had confidence in my team that we could get it [the championship] back,” said Mariano about how close the game was.

Mariano, a new player to tackle, helped her team defend its title.

“It feels really good, I didn’t know I would be good this season; it feels good to come into something new and to succeed at it.”

Only a junior, Mariano hopes to defend their title once again next season.

PHOTO GALLERY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Royals’ Demi Shimizu stiff arms Geckos’ Maricia Mariano to the ground to score the try right after halftime. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)

Geckos’ Joyce Borja goes head-to-head with Royals defender Taylor Crisostomo. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)

Geckos’ Maricia Mariano sprints down field looking to avoid the Royals defenders. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)

[fbshare url=”http://www.gspnlive.com/?p=25102‎” type=”button”]
[fblike url=”http://www.gspnlive.com/?p=25102‎” style=”standard” showfaces=”false” width=”450″ verb=”like” font=”arial”]

[/sixcol_five_last]