The Girls Under 18 Reign 91 White won the WSYSA 2010 Challenge Cup Championship on Sunday, April 25, 2010 at Starfire complex in Tukwila. After winning an intense double overtime semi-final on Saturday that was decided by “kicks from the mark” or PKs, the team won a second overtime game with a thrilling 2-1 victory over a tough opponent, the Whatcom County Rangers.

The semi-final win over the WestSound 91 Black team was won on the 8th kick from the mark, by marking back, Madeline Scott. It was a solid and well won victory, preserving a hat trick scored in regulation by striker Sarah Johnston. In the final, a fantastic overtime goal from midfielder Treva LeRoy sealed the win after the Rangers had tied the game, equalizing an earlier goal by striker Hayley Albrecht.

All members of the team made significant contributions this weekend as many players kept the opponents on their heels with well placed balls played into the danger zone, tenacious defending, and selfless play. In both games the goalkeepers played key roles with AshLee Chard stopping several kicks from the mark in the overtime tie breaker of the semi final game and Jul Podawiltz making key saves during the final game. The remaining members of this talented team are: Rachelle Boettcher, outside mid; Kelli Carlson, outside midfield and marking back; Stephanie Cross, center back and striker; Sydney Davis, center back; Karlie Hall, center midfield; Mariko Hamashima, marking back and outside midfield; Lauren Jerde, striker and outside midfield; Taylor Kartes, outside midfield and striker; and Holly Lontoc, center and outside midfield. The team is coached by Juan Rangel, head coach, and Kelly Johnston, assistant coach.

The hard work and dedication of this fine group of young women has been evidenced all season long as they have only lost one game all year. Team cohesiveness has been demonstrated repeatedly as players have had to play several positions due to injuries and unforeseen absences. Over the years several girls have joined the team and the long time players have accepted them all as full members of the squad. The foundation for this championship was forged when these players were 10 years old and a solid core was formed that kept the team together. They have encouraged each other during all games and lifted each other’s spirits in those few games where the team fell behind. Several come from behind victories have cemented the team’s tenacity, determination, camaraderie, and sheer will power.

Not only did the team show its mettle with two tough wins in two days, but as a final testament to the spirit of the team and their sense of sportsmanship the team was also presented with the 2010 GU-18 Challenge Cup Team Fair Play award.

Submitted by Juan Rangel, Coach Reign 91 White, and Kelly Johnston, Assistant Coach, Reign 91 White