Crushers take Section 11 crown

Mike Sciacca, Independent

The Crushers, a girls’ 10-and-under team out of AYSO Region 143,

advanced to the Tri-section Tournament, by winning last weekend’s

division crown at the Section 11 All-star Tournament.

They outscored their opponents, 17-2, in winning all four of their

matches.

Kendall Kraiss, Michelle Lewis, Andrea Gonzalez, Allison Howard, Kalie

Swain, Jordan Snyder and goalies Keely Toma and Breanna Flynn all

contributed on defense.

The Crushers opened tournament play Saturday with an 8-1 routing of

South Irvine. Caitlin Bohne and Julia Redmond led the scoring onslaught

with two goals apiece and Toma, Snyder, Howard and Elise Nordin each

posted goals.

Later in the day, the Crushers topped Mission Viejo 3-1, behind goals

by Amy Nunez, Bohne and Lewis.

In the semifinals, a goal by Nordin proved to be the difference in a

1-0 shutout over San Marcos. The win which put the Crushers into the

final against Garden Grove.

They wrapped up the championship with ease, beating Garden Grove, 5-0.

Redmond, Bohne, Nordin, Kraiss and Lewis all scored.

With the tournament title, the Crushers, under the direction of

coaches Kerry Kraiss and Eric Swain, became just the third team in the

history of Region 143 to advance to the Tri-Section Tournament.