Flexing more playoff-like form, the Douglas College Royals women’s soccer team did this past weekend what didn’t seem likely a month ago.
The defending league champions racked up two more wins and clinched first place in the PacWest circuit.
By dominating Vancouver Island 3-0 on Saturday and edging Quest 3-2 on Sunday, the Royals also hammered home the fact that any struggles or questions that may have circulated in September have been answered.
The victory over visiting VIU avenged an earlier loss, and provided the squad with a win over the last holdout among league rivals.
Mikayla Hamilton gave Douglas the lead at the nine minute mark on a set-up from Andrea Perrotta, and added a second marker midway through the second half. With 10 minutes left in the game, Michelle Wessa added an insurance goal to cool VIU’s rally jets.
A day later, it was Perrotta’s turn to shake the twine, as the second-year midfielder notched a hat trick in the Royals 3-2 win over Quest. She netted two goals in the first half, including one off a penalty kick, then added the game-winner early in the second half.
For her efforts, Perrotta was named the PacWest’s Female Soccer Athlete of the Week. She currently leads the circuit with eight goals in 11 games, while Hamilton sits second in the scoring race with seven markers.
It’s been quite a turn-around for Douglas, which survived a tepid 1-2-3 September and has been unbeatable in October, winning all five games. They’ve outscored the competition 15-3 in that span.
As playoffs approach, the Royals appear ready to defend its first provincial title next month in Burnaby.
The Royals wrap up the regular season on Sunday when they host the Capilano Blues.
