Lady Nighthawks take tournament

After winning both their opening day games Friday, Northumberland Regional High School's Lady Nighthawks went on to win the Senior Girls Invitational they hosted over the weekend.
Early on Saturday morning, the Lady Nighthawks were on their front foot against the SAERC Saints as they scored four minutes in and then added a second marker and played tight defence to earn a 2-0 victory and a berth in the championship game.
The first goal was a beautiful long range shot by centre midfielder Alissa Ali to the top of the net. The goal was set up by stopper Laura Crocket who fielded a SAERC clearance and started a quick counter attack.
Catherine Munro scored the second goal with assists credited to Bernadette Little, Alex Henderson and Jessica Williams.
Celine Morais registered the shutout for NRHS in this contest while Melodie Purdy, Jessica Robinson, McKayla Day and Tanya Pelerine all played strong games for the red, black and white.
In the championship game the Lady Nighthawks won the battle of the two division winners in an exciting match. There was not much to choose between the teams and both net-minders were very sharp as Celine Morais stopped everything sent her way and her counterpart in the SCA cage made two brilliant diving saves.
The Lady Nighthawks played some creative soccer and generated plenty of offensive attacks. The breakthrough came early in the second half at the 13-minute mark as Meghan Smith fired a low shot into the corner of the Wolves net for what would prove to be the tournament-winning goal. Alyssa Moraze and Catherine Munro picked up the assists on the play.
Defence was the order of the day as NRHS played safety first and possession, but all was not secured as SCA threatened with a pair of free kicks and corner kicks which were well cleared by the fullbacks. Keeper Morais organized the defence and secured the ball when necessary. Alissa Ali, in midfield, along with defenders Laura Crocket, Kelsey Crawford, Melodie Purdy, Veronica Deno and Emily Cruickshank were awesome on the back line.
Coaches Bob Boardway, Ruth Ann Murray, Kent Cruickshank and manager Alison Munro were pleased and proud of the effort of the NRHS team in the role of hosts and champions of their invitational tournament.
"The parents were great supporters this weekend helping with the organization of the event and students from the NRHS Leadership 12 class at NRHS performed some great community service," Boardway said.
Other Saturday morning results:
Hants East Tigers 2, Pictou Academy Pit bulls 0
Breton Bears 5, Middleton Pit bulls 0
South Colchester Wolves 0, Kings Edgehill 0 (SCA wins 4-2 on penalties)
Middleton Pit bulls 2, Pictou Academy Pit bulls 0
Breton Bears 2, SAERC Saints 1
Kings Edgehill 3, Hants East Tigers 2