Lightning Lollipops crowned champs

This past Saturday, while most families in Laguna were just waking up, the Lightning Lollipops were crowned AYSO Region 86 Girls’ Under 10 soccer champions.

The girls were heavy underdogs against the undefeated Killer Blues on this cold and damp Saturday morning. Having played them three times during the regular season and playoffs, the Lightning Lollipops stunned the Killer Blues, 2-0, with true teamwork.

“We had no particular standouts, so we practiced regularly to make a cohesive team,” Coach Dominic Pitz said.

After the championship game was over, assistant coach Ken Greengard and Pitz had a tough time choosing an MVP. Haylee Jarvis won the honors, having played consistently all season, and delivering the first inspiring goal toward the unexpected 2-0 win. The Lollipops move on to the Orange County Regional Championships on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 5 and 6 in Dana Point.

The Lightning Lollipops are: Dean Cassill, Aiden Greengard, Evie Laptin, Haylee Jarvis, Ava-Rose Lawler, Elisa Dobrow-Isaza, Mia Pitz, Natalie Bush, Sopia Costanzo, Lily Andrews, Grace Lawler and Ava Pacheco. Coaches are Dominic Pitz and Ken Greengard and the team mom is Kerry Cassill.

— By John Isaza