SPECTACULAR saves and skilful teamwork through mifield and attack played a big part in the Bendigo Senior Secondary College girls’ soccer team winning the state championship final.
The BSSC Lions faced formidable opposition in their pool matches on the Darebin pitch in Melbourne.
All teams played impressive, attacking football throughout the team.
Several stars in the BSSC squad had represented the Fernwood Bendigo Vipers in the FFV women’s premier league, represented Victoria, and been key players in the Football Federation Victoria central region championship action.
The Lions tackled Kurnia Secondary College, Copperfield and Balwyn High School in the run to the grand final.
An experienced BSSC defence of Tayla Evans, Alishia Stratford, Tegan Raeburn, Abby Stanley and goalkeeper Justine Moller did not concede a goal on the way to capturing gold.
Key midfielders Marni Grabasch and Ilona Jakab, and strikers Jordan Ivey and Bec Grenfell figured in many attacks.
The Lions won their first two group matches, 1-0 and 2-0, and it was a goalless draw in the third.
In the final, BSSC took on Bellarine Secondary College.
An early penalty kick by Bellarine was brilliantly saved by Moller.
No goals were struck and the match headed into extra time.
Tamika Luatutu, Megan McPhail and Jess Pethybridge worked hard to set up scoring chances for the Lions.
Late in the second half of extra time, Jakab skilful slotted the ball from inside the penalty box to clinch a hard-earned victory.
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