How you train is how you play

How you train is how you play. For the Marine Harvest Riptide U15 girls, that attitude earned them their first win with the start of a new A-Cup soccer season on Saturday.

Nervous energy mixed with excitement resulted in a slow start for Riptide in their first game of the season while they found their footing against Gorge/Lakehill in Victoria on the weekend. The midday heat and five minute longer halves for this age group added to the mix. Most of the roster played in the Provincial Championships in July, making last year a long season. With a short summer break, the new team, including two new players from Port Hardy, began practicing again in mid-August, three times a week.

Their commitment paid off. With balanced play and no score at half, Riptide came back strong in the second half, creating opportunity and scoring on a penalty kick. The team’s strong defensive play earned them their first clean sheet of the season. Final score, Riptide won 1-0.

U15 Riptide

The U15 Girls Riptide coaching staff was extremely happy with the first game of the 2015/16 VIPL season. Head Coach, Matt Laver explained, “The girls followed our game plan very well and, as the game went on, the girls’ confidence and ability started to show.” Laver went on to say that, “By the last 20 minutes of the game, they were clearly finding their rhythm, controlling the play and initiating scoring chances.”

That confidence and rhythm is what coaches Laver and Lisa Wigard will build on as they train the team to peak at the ideal time in the season.

The Marine Harvest Riptide U15 Girls look forward to another successful season, are grateful for the continued support from the community, and invite you to follow their journey. The next game is at home on Saturday against Saanich. For updates, visit the team’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/riptide2001girls.

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