The Upper Island Marine Harvest Riptide U18 Girls have gone undefeated with a record of 18-0-2.
“Scoring 75 goals and only conceding 11 is an impressive feat when you are playing teams from Victoria, Cowichan and Nanaimo,” said Riptide coach Scott Harris.
The girls come from Powell River, Campbell River, Comox Valley and Port Hardy, and were selected for the U18 Riptide last spring, starting their season in September and playing straight through the winter months.
“Kaleigh and Madyson Harris from Port Hardy are key players in the success of this team,” Harris pointed out, adding, “Kaleigh was the top scorer this year with 15 goals and her younger sister has fantastic vision and loves setting up her teammates for scoring opportunities.”
With an attacking mindset, the U18 Riptide saw every outfield player on the team score this season.
“It is amazing when you ask the girls to take responsibility to score goals and watch them apply that concept out on the field,” Harris said, adding all the Riptide players from Port Hardy make a huge commitment to train and play every weekend down island, “but the reward is the opportunity to travel and compete with very competitive players from larger areas.”
This year the U18 Riptide Girls have been seen by many post secondary institutions like University of Victoria, University of Lethbridge, Vancouver Island University, UNBC, TRU and some American universities/ colleges who’s coaches have invited some of the Riptide players for further evaluation.
“Kaleigh was identified by the University of Lethbridge and has decided to become a Pronghorn in September 2018, which includes a scholarship to play the game she loves,” said Harris.
Although the season may be over, playoffs will soon begin.
“Early March will see the U18 girls play in the semi-finals on March 4, and then if successful, play in the finals on March 11 in Campbell River to see who will represent Vancouver Island at the Provincial Championships in July in Vancouver,” Harris noted.
