Kanoa brings A-game to take Dove A champs

Kanoa Football Club upset No. 1 seed Shirley’s FC, 1-0, in the 2024 Fall Dove Women’s League to take the championship in the A League last Sunday at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville.

The intensity on the pitch reflected the evenly matched gameplay that both teams brought, as evidenced by the low-scoring final result.

Kanoa, the No. 3 seed, however, rose from the ashes and left Shirley’s choking on their dust, ultimately claiming the championship despite meandering in the middle of the pack during the regular season.

The battle of supremacy waged on as supporters brought the heat with their cheers on the bleachers and fired up the players on both teams. And, while the day was hot, Kanoa was hotter with their bright orange jerseys giving the illusion that they were on fire—and it showed with a goal by Yelynn Ha in the 12th minute.

That was the lone goal of the game with both keepers not wanting to convert anymore goals, and Kanoa’s keeper kept her clean sheet until the end to win the championship.

The Player of the Match Award went to lone scorer Yelynn Ha.

Kanoa’s team, with Ha included Julie Chavez, Joselynn Atalig, Audrey Castro, Sophia Quintos, Irish Pagarao, Ericka Santiago, Aubrey White, Miley Mafnas, Beatrice Gross, Ayessa Tereyama, Princess Alcantara, Faith Arriola, Jane Malabanan, Deseha Mendiola, Roxanne Soriano, Vaniqa Torres, and Theresa Toves.

Irish Pagarao, the team’s forward, said that the season was a good experience for her because she got to play with the younger Kanoa players. “I’m always happy to see the progress and how our grassroots is developing and I see how they improve so much.

“I also would like to thank NMIFA for always organizing the league and putting a lot of effort into making sure the community is active, especially our women’s. Lastly, I want to thank Dove for always supporting the league. I am looking forward to the next season! You know what they say, ‘health is wealth.’”

The Golden Boot Award went to Paire’s Jannah Casarino, while the Golden Glove Award was presented to Toremy Baek of Shirley’s. The Fair Play Award was given to Shirley’s Alyssa Borlongan.

In the battle for third place, Paire ousted MP United Pink, 2-1..

Published by Saipan Tribune - Dec 11, 2024