For the first time in almost a decade, Belmont girls soccer team is playing in provincials. The senior team starts tomorrow in what will be an uphill battle to get out of their division.

B次元官网网址淩ealistically, if we finish in the middle of the pack we will have done well,B次元官网网址� said the clubB次元官网网址檚 long time coach Lloyd Powell. B次元官网网址淏ut when these girls play the kind of game theyB次元官网网址檙e capable of they could finish higher than that.B次元官网网址�

Belmont earned its place in the B.C.s after placing third in the Island championships, held earlier this month in Campbell River.

B次元官网网址淔or me, it wasnB次元官网网址檛 unexpected. TheyB次元官网网址檙e a very strong group of soccer players,B次元官网网址� Powell said, noting that the team has benefited from players being involved with the Victoria Highlanders organization, which actively develops young talent for its menB次元官网网址檚 and womenB次元官网网址檚 elite teams.

Belmont starts its provincial tourney Thursday morning against Kitsilano at the Newton Athletic Park in Surrey.

That afternoon, the West Shore school plays South Delta and then Mt. Boucherie on Friday. ItB次元官网网址檚 a tough division, says coach Powell, who wonB次元官网网址檛 be able to attend the tournament. Co-coach Nicole Mann will guide the team.

If Belmont is to win, theyB次元官网网址檒l need to keep getting solid goaltending from Maddie Creasey.

B次元官网网址淪he did a great job for us in net,B次元官网网址� Powell said. B次元官网网址淵ou need a strong keeper to do well.B次元官网网址�

Big things are also expected from Grade 11 mid-fielder Kristen Livingstone as well as her sister, Grade 10 striker Marisa Livingstone.

B次元官网网址淚 could name half a dozen girls who have done really well for us,B次元官网网址� Powell said.

editor@goldstreamgazette.com