By Michael J.A. Nauta Jr.

The final games of the 2015 Interscholastic Middle School Girls Soccer League came to a close Monday afternoon with a few games on tap. In one of the scheduled games, the Inarajan Lady Warriors made the trek north to take on the hosting Astumbo Lady Dragons.

Despite not having a winning record in both their favors, the two teams came ready to play as they put forth great effort making their game an exciting one. When all was said and done, it was the home team who capped off their season with a 3-2 victory over their southern visitors.

For the first few minutes of the game, neither team looked to be in their comfort zone as possession of the ball remained at an equal in the center of the pitch. It wasn’t until the sixth minute of the game when the Dragons struck first. After intercepting a goal kick taken by Inarajan’s Fayleena Meno, Astumbo’s Isabella Bass zipped a shot right back passed Meno for the game’s first goal.

Astumbo’s Amber Apatang attempts a shot despite being heavily defended by Inarajan’s Jaemie Manglona (10) and Amaya Mansapit (11) in yesterday’s Interscholastic Middle School Girls Soccer League match. Astumbo defeated IMS 3-2. (photo by Mike Nauta)

The momentum carried on for the Dragons as they upped their lead to 2-nil two minutes later. Despite great defense by the Lady Warrior’s Venisha Naputi, Dayamaya Calma managed to find the back of the net for her first of two goals.

Despite trailing early, Inarajan maintained poise and continued to work hard on both sides of the field. In the 23rd minute of play, the Lady Warrior’s Jessie Torres took matters into her own hands carrying the ball nearly the entire length of the field before finding an open Rolani Salalila who posted her team’s first goal. Astumbo rebuilt their two goal lead just before halftime when Calma zipped a shot past Meno.

Second half action witnessed both teams literally bringing their offense to a stalemate for the first 15 minutes. Neither was able to penetrate the defense of the other. Astumbo turned to Keleah Gagarin and Tomikah Mendiola to lead the group of backs, while the Warriors used a mixture of substitutions to keep the legs fresh at all times.

As time on the clock continued to burn, the Warriors aggressively looked for ways to add a goal on their side of the board. It wasn’t until the 49th minute of play when Inarajan was awarded a penalty kick after a foul was committed by the Lady Dragons inside the goal box. The Lady Warriors made it a one-goal game after Venisha Naputi managed to place her PK into the bottom left corner of the goal. The final whistle signaling the end of the match eventually was blown before the Lady Warriors could equalize the game.

With the victory, the Lady Dragons finish their season picking up their fourth win, while the loss for the Lady Warriors ends their season with a 1-13 record.

PHOTO GALLERY:

Astumbo’s Amber Apatang and Inarajan’s Venisha Naputi battle for possesion of the ball in yesterday’s Middle School soccer match. (photo by Mike Nauta)

Astumbo’s Dayamaya Calma speeds her way around a slew of Lady Warriors in yesterday’s Interscholastic Middle School Girls Soccer League match. The Lady Dragons defeated the Lady Warriors 3-2. (photo by Mike Nauta)