HMS retains girls soccer title

Hopwood Middle School Lady Hilitais has retained their tiara in the PSS-NMIFA Girls Middle School Soccer League with a close championship win over Saipan Community School Lady Guardians, 3-2, on Thursday, Nov. 5, at a loud and lively NMI Soccer Training Center. 

SCS found the back of the net first with a goal by LoVel Spaeth in the 15th minute, but HMS equalized it in the 25th from Hayven Moteisou’s cleats. From there, the Lady Hilitais gained momentum and maintained possession to push for a goal just three minutes later by Darshwana Chhetri to take the lead, 2-1. 

Chhetri made sure to give the team more breathing room with another goal in the 32nd minute for a 3-1 lead. The second half saw more opportunities at the net for both teams, but both goalies sharpened their defenses and denied all advances. 

Later, SCS got within one again with a well-timed kick to the goal by Scarlett Burrell in the 42nd minute. The battle for possession continued as time wound down and extra time was given, but HMS held on to win, 3-2. 

Chhetri was awarded both the MVP award for her finals performance and the Golden Boot award for the most goals in the season with 20. 

With Moteisou and Chhetri on the team were Reanna Acosta, Anica Aquino, Lyanne Barrios, Blessie Becina, Ailyah Dela Cruz, Althea De Belen, Princess Gariguez, Aurie Kaipat, Cina Martino, Athitaya Sawikan, and Kasidee Villagomez.

SCS’ roster with Burrell and Spaeth were Naomi Ajoste, Kaelynn Camacho, Stella Choi, Arianna Deleon Guerrero, Alesa Ilmova, Iyani Muna, Adrienne Powell, Juliana Taman, Nadine Van Dam, Kana Van Ea, and Amethyst Winkfield. 

Third place went to Saipan International School after they beat Dandan Middle School, 4-1. 

For 7th grader Chhetri, she said winning the MVP and Golden Boot felt great. She was also the MVP in last year’s championship. “I’m so proud of everyone for giving assists, goals, and I’m so happy that we made it this far as a team.” She added, “I’m very proud of the 8th graders, 6th and 7th graders for giving all their best. I’m very proud of our team for making it this far.”

Moteisou and Aquino, who are both 8th graders, said that it was great winning the championship again in their last year of middle school. Aquino said, “All my friends and family were here so I had to keep my head up.”

They then gave shoutouts to their coaches, team captain Princess Gariguez, and their family for their support.