M.C. Perry Win Double championships in 2012 Far East Tournament

Photo By Staff Sgt. Kenneth Trotter Jr. | (Left) Sierra Apple, a Matthew C. Perry High School Lady Samurai soccer player fights with an Osan American High School Lady cougar player for control of the ball during the 2012 Division II Far East Soccer Tournament at Penny Lake field here May 25, 2012. The tournament started May 21. The Lady Samurai won the championship 5-2. The Lady Samurai were able to pull away with a series of late scores. This was the Lady Samurai’s first championship and the first time both the girls’ and boys’ soccer teams have won championships simultaneously, with the Samurai beating the Yongsan International School of Seoul Guardians at Osan 4-2.  

IWAKUNI, YAMAGUCHI, JAPAN

05.25.2012

Courtesy Story

Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni

IWANKUNI, Japan - The girls began with round robin, playing multiple games throughout the week. The Lady Samurai never lost a game in Round Robin, tying only with Robert D. Edgren High School Lady Eagles. Anticipation grew as Perry inched closer to the championship.

On Friday, May 25, 2012, the Samurai girls’ soccer team suited up and walked onto the muddy field. It was the championship game and the Lady Samurai prepared to battle for the title for the second year in a row. Veterans from the previous year would remember the heartache they endured in the 2011 loss to Osan.

The Samurai took the win with a final score of 5-2. Junior Samantha Herritt scored a total of four goals, including a penalty kick.

Freshman Sierra Apple assisted three of those goals, a remarkable accomplishment for a freshman on the varsity team. Junior Anne Naseer also made a goal, helping the Lady Samurai win the game.
The girls ran off the field with tears running down their faces. This would be the first time the Lady Samurai won a championship in M.C. Perry history.

“All the girls realized that all our hard work during the season has paid off. We knew that we left it all on the field” says Herritt. “All of us trusted each other and did not give up."

Naseer, MVP of the tournament, agreeably stated "Being the champion with this year’s team made history for M.C. Perry. I would like to thank the team for allowing me to be their captain for this memorable moment.”

Sophomore Lexie Krenek, Herritt, and Naseer were named to the Far East Pacific All Tournament team, receiving a banner in the high school gym. The victory caused much excitement, and there is one thing for certain, the girls can’t wait until next year.

• Date Taken: 05.25.2012
• Date Posted: 06.19.2012 02:23
• Story ID: 90221
• Location: IWAKUNI, YAMAGUCHI, JP