KNIGHTS OPEN PLAYOFFS WITH A STATEMENT

By Ternence Huang

The high school girls playoffs started on a windy Monday as the 2nd-ranked St. John’s Knights delivered a comfortable victory against the #7 George Washington Geckos with an assertive 6-0 victory in the quarterfinals.

In the other playoff matches, top-ranked JFK Islanders cruised by #8 Southern Dolphins 6-0 behind MVP Aubrey Ibanez’s two goals Jaelyn Han also had two goals for JFK. #2 Harvest Eagles handled #6 Notre Dame Royals 5-1 and #4 Guam High Panthers edged out #4 Academy Cougars 1-0.

That sets up the semifinals on Wednesday at the GFA main field in Harmon.

4:30 pm: #2 St. John’s vs. #3 Harvest
7 pm: #1 JFK vs. #4 Guam High

In the 2-7 matchup at St. John’s, the Knights controlled the pace of the match, creating tons of scoring opportunities while limiting the Geckos chances offensively.

“Before the game, I felt excited and focused,” said Knights Hope Hutapea. “I knew we were prepared and ready to compete. The team as a whole wanted to make a statement for how we’re coming into the playoffs and finishing strong.”

Strong Opening Sets the Tone

The Knights wasted no time in grabbing the lead in the first half. Hayden Wilson delivered a cross into the box, as Hutapea connected on a bullet header to give the Knights an early 1-0 lead.

“It felt great to score that early in the match, and it was really a team effort. My teammate Hayden had an amazing cross, and scoring the opening goal really set the tone for the rest of the game.” said Hutapea.

Hutapea used her early fuel to remain active throughout the game, recording two shots and anchoring the midfield.

St. John’s continued the pressure with a goal shot from distance at the 23:31 minute mark by Gabriella Flores as she finds the bottom left corner to extend the lead.

Flores finished the game with constant offensive pressure recording one goal, five shots, and three shots on frame.

Harmon Leads the Attack

Melu Harmon delivered one of the best performances of the evening. With six total attempts, two of them being on frame, she scored two goals.

Harmon’s first goal came off a powerful throw from Sazzy Quintanilla before she scored yet again at the 36:30 mark with a solo goal placed into the top middle of the net, leaving the goalkeeper jumping.

“I knew Sazzy was capable of sending a long throw into the box like she always does, so all I needed to do was finish with a simple tap-in,” said Harmon. “Later on, after a pass back, I found myself open for another shot on goal. That goal really helped motivate us even more through the match.”

Continued Domination in Second Half

To start off the scoring, Flores took a shot which resulted in a deflection off a GW defender and into the net for an own goal at the 47:25 minute mark.

The Knights continued attacking as Peyton Kinsella sent an accurate cross to Yzabella Saddo, who tapped the ball into the back of the net in the 54:29 minute.

“I was trying to time my run perfectly with the cross,” said Saddo. “I predicted Peyton would play a low driven ball across the box, so I made sure I was ready.”

Knights Defence Holds Superior

The Knights defense delivered yet another shutout victory, as they stayed composed throughout the match, limiting the Geckos’ attacking chances.

Elana Basco anchored the defense as well as Saya Green, keeping the defense afloat, recording five saves.

“We started the game strong and focused on maintaining possession,” said Basco. “We were able to move the ball well, create crossing opportunities, and our forwards did a great job finishing early chances, which helped set the tone for the match.”

Basco Hungry for Redemption

“Losing the championship last year definitely gave us the motivation this year,” said Basco. “It showed us what it takes to compete and win, and only made us hungrier to improve as a team.”

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