It was their chance to shine and despite playing their best games of the season, the host team didn't get a medal.
The Humboldt Collegiate Institute (HCI) girls' soccer team hosted the 2010 Saskatchewan High Schools Athletic Association (SHSAA) 2A girls' Provincial championships October 29-30.
Teams from Saskatoon, Lloydminster, Notre Dame, Warman, and Moose Jaw competed in the two-day event.
HCI's first game was against number one ranked Bishop James Mahoney Saints of Saskatoon.
The game was fairly evenly matched in the first half, despite Mahoney taking a 2-0 lead. Both Saskatoon goals came after several shots on net as HCI failed to clear the ball.
The slippery field conditions had both times sliding around and having difficulty with ball control.
The second half saw HCI play a much more collected game, controlling much of the play. The home team had lots of opportunities to score but couldn't find the back of the net. HCI hit two posts and a crossbar during the half, and the Saskatoon keeper made several good saves to keep HCI frustrated.
Mahoney sealed their win with another goal in the half, to take a 3-0 lead.
The loss sent HCI to the consolation side of the tournament, while Mahoney continued on the medal side.
"We had a really good game," said Jocelyn Hofmann, Mahoney coach. "Both teams played well."
HCI coach Bob Bellamy was disappointed with the result of the game, but not with his players' performance.
"It was a well-played, very close game," he said. "I'm proud of the girls."
The team worked hard to the end of the game and had great communication on the field, he said.
HCI's next game was against Lloydminster Holy Rosary, who had lost 3-0 to Regina Miller Marauders.
This time HCI had figured out their scoring touch and ended with a 4-0 win. Caitlynn Graf scored two goals for HCI, while Nicki Cheeseman and Kaitlyn Grieman picked up the other markers.
The win sent HCI to the consolation final against the Warman Wolverines. HCI had another high-scoring game, winning 4-0. Mackenzie Mueller scored two goals, while Kaitlyn Grieman and Sam Harty picked up the other markers for HCI.
The Saints went on to win the gold medal, defeating Regina O'Neill 7-3 before facing Notre Dame in the gold medal game. Mahoney won the final 2-0, taking first place in the championship.
Moose Jaw Vanier defeated O'Neill 4-1 in the bronze medal game.
