Jolly Ranchers Grab Championship

In an intense and action packed game this past Saturday, the Jolly Ranchers defeated the Ice Breakers in the final game of the AYSO girl’s 10 and under division to secure the Laguna Beach Championship. The Jolly Ranchers jumped out to a lead in the first half and added a second goal in the 2nd half to defeat a talented and tough Ice Breaker team in a final score of 2-0. Head Coach Andrew Hockaday said, “This team really fought hard today and kept their focus in battling such a strong opposing team. The girls picked the right day to play their best game of the season and I couldn’t be more proud of our champions!”

The two teams had battled twice before Saturday’s title game with the most recent meeting ending up with a tie in the early round of the playoffs. The Jolly Rancher squad, who had finished 1st in the regular season, came out charging with a stunning shot by Olivia Hockaday which streaked its way to the back of the goal in the first half. The backfield defenders -- Cassidy Carpenter, McCall Sorenson, and Bailey Shoemaker made several outstanding tackles on the Ice Breaker forwards to disrupt their offensive attack. Goal keeper Abby Cohn backed up this tough trio to keep the Ice Breakers from scoring or finding their momentum in the first half.

The second half of the game was equally intense with the Jolly Rancher midfielder combination of Darian Costa, Alli Hinmon, and Grace Lawler racing to both challenge the opposing attackers as well as moving the ball into the scoring position and finding the Jolly Rancher forwards. It wasn’t too long until this swift footed play found an attacking Aria Fischer perfectly crossing a pass to forward Regan Caraher who wowed the fans with a smashing shot that gave the Jolly Ranchers a commanding lead well into the 2nd half. But the tireless Ice Breakers did not back off and 2nd half goal keeper Claire Hockaday made a number of outstanding saves to secure the win and a final score of 2-0. Assistant Coach Erich Fischer said, “The girls really played their hearts out today and earned this victory and championship.” “There were so many even and equally talented teams this season and to win it all makes this championship pretty special.” With this championship, the Jolly Ranchers earned the right and privilege to compete against surrounding city championship teams in the AYSO Regional Playoffs in a few weeks time.

Photo

Front row (left to right)

Cassidy Carpenter, Alli Hinmon, McCall Sorenson, Claire Hockaday, Aria Fischer

Back row (left to right)

Erich Fischer, Darian Costa, Bailey Shoemaker, Abby Cohn, Grace Lawler, Regan Caraher, Olivia Hockaday, Andrew Hockaday