COUGARS NOT SLOWING DOWN ON THE PITCH

By Charlotte Oh

The Academy Cougars blew past the Guam High Panthers with ease in the Interscholastic Girls Football League to stay in first place, overpowering them with a 4-1 victory on a blazing hot Wednesday afternoon at the Guam High field.

Two experienced seniors led the Cougars: Striker Hinengi San Nicolas scored three goals before the half, while goalkeeper Natasha Kelly established a solid wall on the defensive side. 

Kelly noted, “Our communication was really good. I think the one thing that makes us stand out is our chemistry because we really talk to each other and just our mindset.”

First half

The Cougars wasted no time taking advantage of their opening possession. Within minutes, a series of smooth passes set San Nicolas up to finish with a powerful strike into the goal.

The game progressed as the Panthers attempted to push on the offensive side with no luck. A long, high pass found San Nicolas again, who sliced through multiple defenders to score her second goal.

Fighting against the oncoming Panthers, the Cougars defense and midfielders managed to send the ball to the offensive side. San Nicolas took it from then again, sprinting effortlessly straight to the goal to score a hat trick before halftime. 

“When I play, put everything on the field. Once I’m on the field, it’s lock in time,” shared San Nicolas “When I’m up against the goal, running, it’s just the adrenaline.”

Despite being down, the Panthers pushed forward, nearly scoring on multiple occasions. But the Cougars’ defense, anchored by Kelly, held strong.

Before the break, Cougar Maria Paulino capitalized on a forward push and found the net, giving the Cougars a commanding 4-0 lead.

Second half

The Panthers were eager to make a break in the second half, fighting with renewed energy. After a long struggle to push past the Cougars defense, Panther Ny’kale Penn received possession of the ball. Far to the side of the field, she skillfully kicked the ball high over the goalkeeper, putting her team on the board at 4-1.

The Panthers continued with a more aggressive spirit, not willing to retreat to defense. Another shot was attempted by Guam High but was stopped by the quick reaction of Kelly.

“I think I just relied on my defense. There was a lot where it would come to 1v1, but then I had a really good fast defender come back and help to lay them a little, giving me a chance to get set and ready for the shot,” shared Kelly, giving credit to her teammates. 

She continued to save close balls as the Panthers came right up to the goal, eager to score. 

Penn attempted a last push, taking the ball with a sprint towards the goal. She aimed to the side of the keeper, but Kelly was right there reaching far to save the ball. This was the last excitement of the game, ending with a Cougar victory of 4-1.

San Nicolas ended with a favorite quote of hers, “Anything possible is possible if you put your mind to it, so chase your dreams.”