The Humboldt Mohawks and Muenster Cougars girls’ soccer teams have become familiar with one another this year.
After going to penalty kicks in their league and regional finals, the two sides seemed destined for another shootout at Centennial Field Saturday in the 1A provincial final.
That all changed late in the second half as Grade 10 student Taylor Zwarych found the back of the net to give the Mohawks a 2-1 triumph and their first-ever provincial crown.
“I really wasn’t sure if it was going to go in,” Zwarych said. “It was kind of a lucky shot as they have a really good goalie who makes a lot of great saves.
“It’s really awesome to come away with the provincial title. We’ve been close with Muenster all year and it was great to play them for a chance to win gold.”
Saturday’s final marked a return to the provincial final for the Mohawks, who lost a 2-0 affair to Lake Lenore last year.
“The girls that came back to the team had a better idea of what to expect this time around,” Mohawks head coach Teri Tarrant said. “I feel like this was the best performance our team has had all year long, as they were clicking as soon as we got to North Battleford.
“After we came to the provincials last year, we had a better idea of how the other teams play at this level,” Zwarych added. “We knew that we had to mark the other players well and we also became a lot better in working as a team.”
Despite the loss, the Cougars still had a stellar season, as the three-time provincial champions returned to the event after a long absence.
“Today was the rubber match for the two teams,” Joel Taphorn, who was filling for Cougars head coach Chad Hofmann, said. “They won three games and we won two.
“I think our league plays a huge part in both teams’ success. Middle Lake and Lake Lenore were both here this weekend, and that really helps the girls become better players.”
Lloydminster Holy Rosary won the bronze medal game by a score of 2-1 over Lake Lenore.
Maymont were the host team for the tournament but suffered a pair of losses to Humboldt and Osler on Friday.
Meanwhile, Cando won the 1A boys’ provincial title in Middle with a convincing 8-0 triumph over Dalmeny Saturday.
