After competing in their first ever tournament in Kamloops, the Quest University Canada Kermodes women's soccer squad took to their home field for the first time against the Squamish Under-18 Scorpions on Tuesday (Sept. 2). The home opener versus their younger counterparts was a good way for the newly-formed team to flex their offensive muscles. The majority of the game was played deep in the Scorpions' zone as goaltender Courtney Robertson was bombarded with shots. Despite Robertson hanging tough between the posts, the Kermodes were too much to handle as they went on to win 10-0.Quest head coach Martina Franko, fresh from playing for Team Canada at the Beijing Olympics, said playing the younger local team of Grade 11 and 12 students is a good way for the squad to begin gelling and building a foundation."It's good to generate some offence and get the nerves out. Then each game the competition will get stronger and stronger."Alex Cukor led the scoring with four goals, the last of which required a well-placed left footer off a nice cross by Chelsey Forsberg, who scored a goal of her own and assisted on three others. Erica Benson scored three goals while Brittany Shallagan potted a single and set up a second goal. Baylee Wilkinson also earned a goal and an assist.Scorpions coach Peder Ourom encouraged his team to fight through the constant attack. The game gave the girls a firsthand experience of college level soccer and might even encourage a couple of them to set their sights on the Kermode uniform in the future, he said.Despite the dominating performance, the Kermodes took a hit when Charmaine Nuefeld injured her ankle and had to be carried off by a group of students.A week prior, the Kermodes lost three close games by one goal each in Kamloops at a tournament at Thompson Rivers University Aug. 22 to 24. They played the home team to a 2-1 loss with Lindsay Epp scoring the lone goal. They went on to play UBC Okanagan to the same score with Jessica McFadden tallying the goal.The Kermodes played a strong game against the University of Northern BC (UNBC) but lost 3-2. Lizzie Kirby was recognized as an outstanding player of the weekend for keeping the defence together despite relentless pressure."I thought it was a really competitive game," said Franko. "The team has a strong defence and lots of potential."Quest's demonstration season will continue with exhibition games against college, university and metro teams.
