MS soccer tiara returns to SIS

It was a captivating finals rematch that had everyone on the edge of their seats as the Saipan International School Geckos faced off against the erstwhile champion Hopwood Middle School Hilitais, and won the title, 1-0, in the NMIFA-PSS Girls Middle School Interscholastic Soccer League 2024-2025 last Tuesday at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville.

The star of the match was SIS 8th grader and captain of the team, Beatrice Gross, who scored the lone goal in the 37th minute.

Gross delivered a standout performance, skillfully maneuvering through the pitch with ease—setting up plays and launching attacks offensively, while also making crucial saves and blocks defensively. She worked relentlessly and never gave up on attempts at the goal, despite several missed opportunities to score in the first half.

As HMS’ defense weakened from exhaustion in the second half, Gross seized the moment, finding an opening to score the game-winning goal that ultimately secured the title for SIS.

Throughout, HMS and SIS were evenly matched, struggling to break through each other’s defenses. The scoreboard remained empty in the first half, with HMS dominating possession and keeping the action mostly in SIS territory, but failing to capitalize on their chances.

After Gross’ goal, HMS pushed forward with a sense of urgency, led by striker Anica Aquino, who made determined attempts to equalize. However, as minutes turned into seconds, and a downpour opened up from the clouds, the final whistle blew, and SIS erupted in celebration, as they held on to win the championship.

Gross, who finished the season with 22 goals, earned the Golden Boot Award and was named most valuable player for her exceptional performance in the finals.

With Gross in the roster were Faith Arriola, Neveah Arriola, Arriana Chi, Windsor Gross, Chlorie Lee, Kate Manglona, Melisa Namai-Scoggins, Leilani Ruszala, Sophia Smith, and Jewel Whang.

Third place was Dandan Middle School Tottots when they flew over Tanapag Middle School Tatagas, 7-0.

SIS coach April Liske-Clarke said of their win after the awards ceremony, “It feels really good. I’m really excited for the girls. They played really hard for this—they’ve really wanted it for two years now. We have a really young team this year. We only have three 8th graders (Beatrice Gross, Faith Arriola, and Kate Manglona), two 7th graders, while everybody else is in 6th grade. We have a really young team, and so I’m excited for the future.”

She then said of Beatrice Gross’ performance, “Props to Beatrice. I’ve never been so proud in my life of a student—of a player. Her sportsmanship, her leadership just astounds me and her integrity is just amazing. I’m just so proud of her.”

When asked about what the difference was between the team this year and last, she said, “I think last year and this year, we played really strong. I think that even Hopwood this year, our teams are very, very closely matched. When you come to play a sport on the field, sometimes it really does come down to who moved the right direction, and my girls just moved the right way this time. I think that our teams are very equally matched, and I give props to Hopwood just as much as I do SIS. Any other night, it could’ve went any other way, but it went our way tonight.”