Strikers reach pinnacle

McRoberts field hockey team nets first B.C. championship

Standing on the sidelines at Andy Livingstone field during Saturday's high school field hockey final, Tanya Stack was still very much part of the action.

The Grade 11 left-inner (providing a link between the midfielders and forwards) exemplified the Hugh McRoberts Strikers' rise to the top this season. Her infectious enthusiasm helped cap a perfect season as the Strikers edged Argyle Pipers 1-0 for their first-ever championship.

"Even though I didn't play that much I felt like I contributed," Stack said. "It was especially rewarding for the Grade 12s. I really saw what it meant to them and cheered them on."

Ranked third going into the 16-team tournament, the Strikers rid themselves of first-game jitters Thursday ousting highly-regarded Mount Douglas 3-2. They then blanked Maple Ridge 4-0 and L.V. Rogers 7-0 to top their pool and advance to the quarter-finals.

In their opening playoff game, McRoberts defeated G.P. Vanier 6-0 setting the stage for a much-anticipated semifinal against number one-ranked Cowichan Thunderbirds, winners of four of the last five provincial titles. The two teams were arguably the best in B.C. and Cowichan had not lost a game since the 1996 semis.

Friday's game was not only highly emotional but also very entertaining featuring two contrasting styles. Cowichan's fast-paced, highly-skilled quick passing attack helped stake the Thunderbirds to a 1-0 halftime lead. But McRoberts' more patient game of strong defence and midfield play eventually paid dividends. Using their skill and strength to create many free hits and set plays, the Strikers got the tying goal from Suzanne Jackson in the second half.

Playing no overtime, the teams went directly to penalty strokes (same as penalty shots in soccer, taken seven yards from the goal) selecting their best five shooters. The Strikers won the toss and elected to shoot last. After nine shots the score was tied at two goals each with Jaime Opray and Paula Shuto scoring for McRoberts after two outstanding saves by keeper Danielle Lacroix.

That left the last shot for Natasha Osipov. Stepping up, she made buried the ball behind a beleaguered Cowichan keeper and the Strikers were headed for the final.

Strikers Grade 10 keeper Danielle Lacroix said she just tried to ignore everything going on around her during the shootout.

"I just tried to focus on the ball, not even the shooter."

Added McRoberts co-coach Earl Osipov: "That game was the most emotional experience I've ever had as a coach. "It was unbelievable. I thought we might have a little letdown for the final but the girls came out and play their usual game."

Having tied Argyle twice earlier this season, McRoberts expected another tough challenge, said associate coach Roger Young. But after a good early-morning meeting it was clear the Strikers were focused and ready.

Like Cowichan, Argyle played a fast-paced game and put McRoberts under early pressure. But once the Strikers took control they relied on their patience to pull them through. That breakthrough came late in the first half when, working the ball up the field using a combination of nice passing and free hits, Alisa Carey converted a stop and pass from Natasha Osipov into the winning goal.

"All season we tried to impress upon the girls that if we stuck to our game plan and played to our strengths the result would be there in the end," said coach Osipov. "I have always believe that our starting 11 are better than any other team and the girls finally realized that after the Cowichan match."

While McRoberts and Cowichan had never previously met in high school competition, many of the players on the two sides had faced each other in club play. But still, it appeared the Strikers were somewhat intimidated by the Thunderbirds going into their tournament game.

"I think we were intimidated by the fact they were good and they knew they were good and played like that all the time," said Natasha Osipov. "We didn't really know what to expect in the game."

Teammate Leah Stack said she was disappointed the tournament was in her eyes set up for an Argyle-Cowichan final.

"Just because they won it previous years I think was unfair we had to play Cowichan first in what was basically two finals. We had a harder route than anyone else."

The Strikers prevailed because they wanted it more than any other team, said Grade 12 Alana Lemkert.

"It was our attitude and determination that won it. We've been trying for five years to win gold. We wanted it really bad and gave it our all."

Earl Osipov began coaching the Strikers five years ago when his daughter Natasha and several of her friends, playing in the Richmond club system, wanted also to organize a team at McRoberts.

"Nobody really knew what was needed but since field hockey has the same basic strategy as soccer I decided to give it a shot," he said. "It just took over my life. I think this win is going to help publicize the sport a lot more and maybe lead to more people playing the game."