Hard-earned hardware

Middleton U13 girls win silver at provincials

Members of the U13 girls soccer team are back home with some hardware after winning silver medals at provincials.

The local team travelled to Cole Harbour to compete in provincial championships Sept. 8 and 9.

Middleton started out the championships with a tight 1-0 victory over East Hants thanks to a sensational goal by Odessa Baker.

In the second game of roundrobin action, Middleton continued their winning ways with a convincing 2-0 victory over the Storm. Baker opened the scoring with a beauty strike to the top right corner of the net and Abby Murphy sealed the game with her first goal of the season.

In semifinal action, Middleton came out strong and controlled the game from start to finish en route to a 2-0 victory over host Porters Lake.

Defender Emma Johnson opened the scoring with a heavy strike from well outside the 18-yard box, compliments of a perfect touch back from Bella Boates. Jessie Lewis secured the game with strong effort in front of the net when the ball sprung loose from the keeper’s hands.

The victory set up a rematch in the final against East Hants.

In the final, East Hants came out strong but Middleton held them off the score sheet during the first half by executing a strong defensive game, coupled with some big saves from keeper Abby Comer.

East Hants found the back of the net early in the second half, scoring three unanswered goals in less than five minutes. From this point on, Middleton began to find their legs and put East Hants on their heels.

Middleton’s energy boost was rewarded when Baker scored with 15 minutes to go. Two minutes later, Middleton hit the post off a corner kick and the girls continued to ramp up the pressure on East Hants, but the final whistle blew before Middleton could score again.

Coach Krista Steele and manager Jim Johnson were very proud of the team for never giving up.

“The girls played strong all season and they improved every time they hit the pitch this summer,” said Steele.

“Congratulations to the team.”

SUBMITTED This U13 soccer squad from Middleton recently secured silver medals at provincials. Front row, from left, Annie Miller, Abby Murphy, Odessa Baker, Jorji Chiasson, Katelyn Tattersall, Bella Boates and Abby Comer, goaltender. Second row, coach Krista Steele, Maisie Wright, Haley Higgins, Jessie Lewis, Kaylee Ross, Peyton Brown, Emma Johnson and manager Jim Johnson.