Women win bronze in first-ever trip to finals

The Kwantlen women’s soccer team brought home a bronze medal from their first trip to the British Columbia Colleges’ Athletic Association’s (BCCAA) provincial championships, held in Nanaimo last weekend.

The Eagles defeated the Capilano Blues, last year’s gold medal team, 1-0 on Sunday afternoon after losing to eventual champions Langara the day before by the same score.

First-year forward Kelsey Doherty scored the only goal of the weekend, and her first of the season, in the 25th minute by clearing a shot over Blues goaltender’s head.

Rookie goaltender Rosemary Kelly was unbreakable, according to head coach Vladimir Samozvanov, and, along with defensive duo Courtney McColloch and Brittany McNeil, held off Capilano’s numerous scoring attempt.

The year was a fairly steady one for the women, who recorded seven wins, five draws and only two losses all season. They entered provincials sitting in fourth place for their third week in a row.

Kwantlen men’s soccer team did not make it to provincials after a disappointing finish which ended their steady decline in the rankings.

The team, made up entirely of first-year players, posted a 5-3-6 record after spending the first five weeks sitting in a playoff spot.

For new head coach Vincent Alvano, the season was never about gaining a playoff spot.

“It seems to me surreal that we are talking about playoffs when, really, this year was all about creditability, and to establish credibility for the program, “ he said earlier in the season, adding, “I think we achieved that.”