The South Delta Sun Devils couldn’t be in a better position to extend their provincial tournament appearance record and ultimately defend their championship next month in Kelowna.
The Tsawwassen school is the top seed when the 10-team South Fraser AAA Girls Soccer Championships get underway this afternoon. Four trips to the Okanagan will be on the line for the B.C. showcase tourney, slated for June 1-3.
The Sun Devils earned their status thanks to a perfect 7-0 run in South Zone League play that saw them outscore their opponents 27-0 in the process. It means they will be at Winskill Park for every South Fraser playoff game as they look to remarkably secure a provincial berth for a 20th straight season.
Longtime coaches Stephen Burns and Brent Sweeney aren’t taking anything for granted, however.
“It’s always tough. We have been around long enough to know you may have a call not go your way or you don’t have the finishing boots on that particular day. It’s never easy, but we have put ourselves in a good spot,: said Sweeney.
South Delta’s run to its second-ever B.C. title a year ago featured a barrage of goals from start to finish, led by provincial tournament MVP Brianna Jassmann who took her career to the University of Calgary. With seven returning starters, there is plenty of experience to lean on but this team does feature different strengths.
“We have quite a bit of versatility that gives us the ability to play girls in different spots,” continued Sweeney, noting a number of his players typically play holding midfield with their club teams. Our team from last year scored more than anyone but with this group there isn’t much of a drop-off and we are finally getting healthy.”
After earning an opening round bye, South Delta will host the winner of Lord Tweedsmuir and Sullivan Heights in quarter-final action on Thursday. The semi-finals are slated for next Monday and the championship game goes May 18.
