The Lazers ’94 Girls Premier team played strong over the May 10-11 weekend, and it gave their mothers excellent appreciation gifts – a win in the Georgia Soccer President’s Cup State Championship tournament. As champions the team will represent Georgia against champions from 12 other states at the Regional President’s Cup the weekend of June 13.

The tournament final against Atlanta Fire United was very exciting and had to be decided on penalty kicks, with the Lazers ultimately obtaining the victory and the championship. Despite the very windy conditions, the sidelines were full of spectators and Georgia State officials to watch the last final of the weekend for the Griffin venue.

The Lazers started the game hitting on all cylinders, dominating possession, and just missed on five good chances within the first 15 minutes of the match. However, AFU made some adjustments and balanced the control of the game. Ultimately, in the 25th minute, an Atlanta Fire midfielder made a strong cross that deflected off the hands of Lazers’ goalkeeper, Lauren Tosky, and found its way over the goal line for a Fire lead of 1-0.

Fire’s confidence grew and they controlled much of the midfield play for the next 20 minutes until a shift in momentum occurred for the second time in the match. With 25 minutes remaining in the second half, Mary Gard stole a pass and played a ball up the left flank to Kelsey Oakes.

Oakes beat two defenders and swung a cross through the Fire defense to teammate Shannon Smith. Smith finished the chance created by Oakes to tie the score at 1-1.

The remainder of the game had little advantage from either team. The Lazers missed several opportunities from free kicks that sailed over the goal during the very windy and adverse conditions. The game remained tied throughout the remainder of regulation and two overtime periods, so the game would be decided by penalties.

Peachtree City Lazers goalkeeper Lauren Tosky saved the Fire’s first penalty kick, which added even more pressure to the Atlanta Fire squad. Lazers’ Jessica Leonard, Holly Palmer, Melissa Wrobleski and Kelsey Oakes all made their penalty kicks to preserve the team’s victory.

Coach Errol Lovell congratulated the team on their total team effort. “The entire weekend had players in different positions and taking on new responsibilities.” said Lovell, adding, “The team played the final without two key players, yet they played excellent team soccer. The defense was especially strong, giving up only two goals the entire tournament.”

Team Members: The Lazers ’94 Premier team includes Morgan Dill, Mary Gard, Alyssa Montgomery, Jessica Leonard, Kelsey Oakes, Holly Palmer, Sarah Rendall, Ashley Ricciardi, Jackie Roshelli, Shannon Smith, Shelby Swan, Lauren Tosky, Shandry Wilckens, Melissa Wrobleski and Kaylee Zwach. The team is coached by Errol Lovell.

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