‘Teamwork led to victory’

Pacific Islands Club’s Paradise in Cleats’ 2-1 overtime win over Matt Smith’s Smithereens in the finals of the 2008 Women’s Recreational Football League was all about teamwork.

In an email to the Saipan Tribune, PIC captain Brenda Schultz said the whole team played outstandingly well last Saturday.

“Don Decha held the middle and never seemed to get tired. She kept the ball from getting behind us so many times. Divya ‘The Destroyer’ Sharma delivered at defense like she always does. She is quick and can keep up with those quick Smithereen forwards which is not easy.”

She also gave kudos to the rest of her teammates for the extra effort they extended in the championship game.

“Our flanks Rachel Bandelin, Michi Tenorio, Kathy Pagapular, and Summer Palacios did a great job hustling back and forth from offense to defense in the hot sun. The whole team just did great. I’m really proud of everyone. Hopefully, everyone was able to meet their personal goals for this season. I had a blast!”

Shultz added that seeing her team and Smithereens battling for the 2008 women’s league’s perpetual cup was especially satisfying for her, given the teams’ tough finishes last year.

“We really enjoyed playing the Smithereens in the finals because they had great sportsmanship and we were the bottom two teams together last season so it was exciting to know the worse either of us could do this season was second, which is still great. Saturday’s game was not easy! We battled it out in the hot sun for two hours without ever giving up so really, all the players on both teams are winners in my book.”

Championship or no championship, Schultz was just happy being on the soccer field with her closest friends almost every weekend last season.

“It was a pleasure being the captain of the PIC Paradise in Cleats this season. The ladies improved so much and we worked really well together as a team. We laughed a lot, learned a lot, and just had fun playing soccer which is what the recreational league is all about.”

The rest of the team is made up of Sue Knecht, Terry McIntosh, Stephanie Taylor, Noi Horey, Jasonaire “Sonya” Lizama, Tree Diwisett, Dora Camacho, Amanda Allen, Jenny Linen, Chantelle Voutilainen, Michi Tenorio, Nicolette Seckeler, and Madison Schultz.