Diamonds tame Tigers

The Blue Diamonds incredible early season domination continued on Saturday afternoon, with a resounding 5-1 win over the Orange Tigers. The win moves the Diamonds to 3-0 on the season, having outscored their opponents 14-4 over that three game stretch.

The score was deceiving as the Tigers put plenty of pressure on the Diamonds defense throughout the game. Stellar goaltending from Samantha and Jackie kept the Tigers from mounting any run. The two combined to stop several shots from close range, including one that Jackie snared in mid-air midway through the second half. It was amazing to see both players instinctively pounce on every ball that entered the box (or was that just great coaching?).

Three Diamonds scored goals, including another hat trick by Alyssa. The Diamonds leading scorer continues to mesmerize opposing defense with her amazing ball control skills in tight traffic. Her last goal was a shot that sailed over the Tiger goaltender’s right shoulder.

Jackie opened the game with a goal after blowing past the Tiger’s defense and firing a shot from the top of the box. The only thing that stopped her from piling on the goals was a stint in goal in the second half.

Karsyn scored her first goal of the season after punching a shot from outside the right post past the Tiger’s goaltender. The goal was setup by a great pass from Lauren on the right flank. The two teamed up with Alyssa to make several crossing passes late in the game (quite an improvement from the “swarm of bees” offense implemented by many 8 & under teams)

The Tigers tried to mount an offensive in the second half of the game, but Anna and Melanie rejected attack after attack in the Diamonds defensive zone. One of those subtle improvements that paid huge dividends this game was the Diamonds focus on sliding the defense up and down the field as the ball moved from one zone to another. That allowed the Diamonds defenders to help out on offense, without compromising the defense.

All in all, another great win, accentuated by marked improvements by every player. The girls are starting to play like a cohesive unit. They’re starting to play like a team!

[Click here for Game 3 photos]