By Ole Nielsen, Special to the Independent
Gymnastics and soccer combined this weekend to cinch the OC Championships for the local girls under 11 AYSO Extra team.
After three hard fought 1-0 victories over South Irvine, North Irvine and Newport Beach, the team faced Ladera Ranch in the finals. Both teams battled it out to a 0-0 score, which sent the game into overtime. With five seconds to go in the first five-minute period, forward Hallie Carballo did her massive front hand-spring throw-in, which reached star midfielder Piper Naess in the center of the field.
Piper amazingly volleyed the ball into the net, securing the OC Championship title for the Blue Lagunas for the second year in a row.
“While the finishing goal was certainly dramatic, every player contributed hugely to win the title; it was a true team effort,” said Coach Ole Nielsen.
The tournament shut out now qualifies the team to compete for the state championships in March.