By Gary Curreri
Simply perfect.
The eighth graders at St. Coleman’s School capped off four years of perfection as they won 49 consecutive matches dating back to when they were fifth graders (including a 25- 16, 18-25, 15-12 victory over previously undefeated St. Bonaventure (Davie) recently in the All Broward Catholic Conference tournament).
After splitting the first two games in the final, St. Bonaventure seized a seemingly insurmountable sevenpoint lead before the Chargers battled back.
“It was going to take a lot of fight to get back into the game,” said St. Coleman’s coach Kristin Scher. “The girls never gave up though and kept pushing.”
With St. Bonaventure leading 11-4, Bailey Pearlman served eight consecutive points to pull St. Coleman’s ahead, 13-11. After a sideout, Madison Faust served at 14-12 to win the match for the Chargers and sealed the team’s 17th consecutive victory of the season.
“We knew going in it would be a tough match because St. Bonaventure had a great team,” said Scher, who noted that St. Bonaventure’s team hadn’t lost a match in a decade. “Our girls worked very hard all season though and really wanted this victory. I was so proud of them, not only for the win, but also for the way they won it. To be behind like that in a match and come back takes a lot of talent, confidence and heart – all of which this team has.”
“I am so proud of the way the whole team played together all season long,” Scher added. “They set a goal at the beginning of the season to remain undefeated and they worked hard to accomplish that. They are a great group of girls both on and off the court, and it has truly been a pleasure to coach each and every one of them.”
St. Coleman’s plays in the North League of the All Broward Catholic Conference (ABCC). The tournament featured the top teams in both the North and Central Leagues.
Scher cited the strong play of eighth graders Gabby Cook, Tori Tocco, Pearlman and Faust. The team advanced to the final with victories over St. Anthony, 25-19, 25-23; St. Mark’s, 25-9, 25-14, and St. David, 25-14, 25-23.
Soccer camps slated
For the first time ever, Simply Soccer will hold four summer camps in the city of Pompano. Dates are June 11-15, 25- 29; July 23-27 and Aug. 13-17.
Registration will be held at Pompano Beach Civic Center. The soccer camp is for boys and girls, ages 5-14 of all skill levels, who will be taught a variety of soccer skills from dribbling to shooting. This is the sixth year of camp offerings in Pompano Beach.
There are three sessions each day (for the Pompano camp) 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. ($100 weekly); extended hours camp is available 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. ($125 weekly); Tiny Tot program is offered for kids ages 5 and 6 from 9 a.m.-noon ($55 weekly).
Campers must bring a soccer ball, swimsuit, shin guards, water bottle and lunch. For more information, call the city of Pompano Parks and Recreation Department at 954-786- 4119 or 954-786-4111.
