In a duel for top bragging rights in the PacWest women’s soccer circuit, the Douglas College Royals expected a tough battle last week with rival Langara University.
It was, and it wasn’t.
The Royals swept the home-and-home series against the Falcons, winning 3-0 and 4-0 to leapfrog past Langara into top spot of the B.C. collegiate league, with the top-four spots separated by just four points.
“The first win was pretty tight, we had a good (scoring) chance and they had a better one before we took the lead,” said Douglas coach Chris Laxton. “The second game we got out to a good start. It was our best performance of the year.”
Striker Mikayla Hamilton counted the game-winner on both days, and added a third goal to give the team co-scoring leader five on the season. It earned her the PacWest women’s soccer player of the week award.
“She was both outstanding and dangerous,” said Laxton. “I tell our strikers that scoring is like ketchup, you bang and bang away at it and then a bunch come at once.”
In the first game, Andrea Perrotta collected her fifth of the year, with Taylor Wettig counting her first.
A day later, Hamilton delivered the first strike swiftly and had two before halftime. She also drew an assist on Samantha Frketich’s tally, before co-captain Michelle Wessa wrapped up the offence.
On defence, the Royals came on like gangbusters, holding the Falcons off the scoresheet. Alexa Gazzola picked up her third shutout of the season, and dropped her league-best goals against average to 0.67.
“The two clean sheets was equally as impressive (as the goal outbursts),” said Laxton. “Our backline was impressive in how they limited them to a few chances... Everyone’s confidence is growing.”
The wins also resulted in Douglas getting bumped to eighth overall in the national Canadian Collegiate rankings.
Douglas plays host to third-place Vancouver Island on Saturday, 1 p.m. at Coquitlam Town Centre, and visits Quest on Sunday.
