Champs again

The North Bend Reign U-14 girls' soccer team clinched their second straight Washington State Youth Soccer Association District Championship with a 6-0 win over the Issaquah Superstars Nov. 15 at Snoqualmie Ridge.

The North Bend Reign U-14 girls’ soccer team clinched their second straight Washington State Youth Soccer Association District Championship with a 6-0 win over the Issaquah Superstars Nov. 15 at Snoqualmie Ridge. This team consisted of the same 17 players returning from last year’s U-13 District II championship team. The season-ending victory combined with a 3-0 win at Mercer Island the previous week (avenging their only loss) gave “The Reign” a one-point advantage over Mercer Island in the final standings and two points ahead of Lake Hills in a tight three-team battle.

The girls were excited to end the season as champions, especially after moving to a higher division based on the previous season’s finish. The teams’ success was clearly the result of playing as a cohesive unit with each player contributing in a positive way. Their outstanding performance reflected the improved skills and leadership brought by first-year coach David Stave. Stave was aided by John Vollen and Joe Soroka as assistant coaches, and Rhonda Moorhead as team mother. Sponsored by William Buchan Homes, the team is made up of seventh- and eighth-graders from Snoqualmie and Chief Kanim middle schools, and St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Snoqualmie.

As the season finale ended, the Reign stormed the field in wild celebration. The team was well supported with a large gathering of family and friends in attendance. Pictured are: Back row, left to right: John Vollen (assistant coach), Brissa Vega, Sara Hilleary, Haley Williamson, Alisha Larion, David Stave (head coach), Haley Anderson, Lindsey Miller, Ashley Stringfellow, Nicole Soroka (co-captain) and Joe Soroka (assistant coach). Middle row, left to right: Jayme Harris (manager), Katie Brett (co-captain), Annie McElroy, Wendy Hecker, Kristen Walker and Bethany Adams. Front row, left to right: Brooke Moorhead, Sarah Fowler and Sara Vollen.