submitted photo
Sarnia Spirit U11 Middlesex Tournament Champions

 
Spirit travelled to Strathroy at the weekend for the annual Middlesex Invitational Tournament.

Sarnia played 2 tough round robin games to determine team seeds.
 
Sarnia's 1st game was against North London, Chloe Kennedy opened the scoring early and Mickayla Moses
scored a great free kick before half time. Second half Sarnia found themslves under alot of pressure as London pressed.  London pulled 1 back after a goal mouth scramble was tapped in, but Sarnia's defence of Alexa Eldridge, Abigail Zalawski, Steph Maitland and Madisyn Mika held tight and some great goaltending from Morgan Wagg and Daphine Hibma assured Sarnia the 2 - 1 win.
 
Sarnia's 2nd game was against NorWest. Playing against a strong 1st half wind, Sarnia was looking to hold on until the second half, but 10 minutes in Mickalya Moses found Sydney Caron in space to send a cross over to Julie Blanchette who struck a high shot at the back post to lead 1 - 0. NorWest equalised just before half.
Second half Sarnia controlled the play and got the go ahead goal when Chloe Kennedy beat the defence to lob high over the NorWest goal. NorWest didn't give up and against the run of play got in behind the defence a scored a breakaway goal to tie it up. With 5 minutes to go Sarnia gave it everything. Ashley Edgar hustled hard on the left and slipped the ball across to Sarah McCormick to hit home the winner from 18 yards and Sarnia win 3 - 2.
 
With the 2 wins Sarnia Spirit placed 1st seed from 7 teams and earned a bye to the semi finals.
 
Sarnia again found themselves having to play the tough North London team again. In 30 degree heat the girls knew they had to dig deep. Same as before London pressed hard but could not get by Sarnia's defence. Sarnia tried to hold on and catch London on the break. Ashley Edgar, Hannah Coy, Skylr Melton Alicia Burnside and Bianca Sapone all digging deep for Sarnia. With a few minutes left Daphine Himba pulled off 2 great saves
to keep Sarnia in it. Tipping one shot onto the post and out with the final score 0 - 0.Alexa Eldridge also took one for the team as a London shot heading for goal, deflected of her face and away from net. The game now moved to 5 min extra time golden goal. Sarnia started strong and attacked from the whistle. 2 minutes, in some nice passing between Sydney Caron and Sarah McCormick led to a high pass from Sarah through to Chloe Kennedy, who once again had the defence for speed and tipped it pass the London goalie to score the winner. 1 - 0 win. Morgan Wagg and Daphine Himba collecting the shutouts.
 
Sarnia now faced Kitchener in the final. Sarnia started very well and managed to create the better chances. Sarnia thought they had scored when Chloe Kennedy broke through and sent the shot just wide after a 50 - 50 ball with the goalie. Sarnia's much improved passing was paying off as they created more chances, Mickayla Moses trying long range just wide and Bianca Sapone have a good chance saves. Sarnia's defence again playing solid. 0 - 0 half. Second half and all to play for. 15 minutes in Sarnia were given a free kick edge of the box. Mickayla Moses sent in great ball in which bounced away from the goalie and into the net for Sarnia to lead. Sarnia now full of confidence had a great effort from Sydney Caron saves and from a corner kick Ashley Edgar was unlucky as her shot went just over the bar. Sarnia thought they might have went 2 up after Chloe again broke throught the Kitchener defence and was brought down as she lined up the shot. Somehow the ref waved play on. Full credit to Kitchener who nearly levelled the score with again 2 great saves from Daphine Himba in net. One coming off the post and rebound saved. Sarnia held on for a fully deserved final win 1 - 0 and Morgan Wagg and Daphine Himba with 2 shutouts in row.
 
Coaches Mike Caron and Scott Kennedy are extremely proud of the girls, they dug in deep during the hot weekend and played there best game of the season (so far) in the final. Great team work. Congratulations girls!!!!