The Stampede ended the 2012-13 year strong this past weekend finishing 3rd in their bracket and 11th overall in the Norcal State Cup finals. In Saturday's semi-final they faced the Mustang Legends of Danville but could not find an answer to the opponent's onslaught of goals accompanied by a dominant possession of the ball. Late in the first half, Jordan Davis scored at close range on a cross from Anne Ayotte to make it 3-1. Down 5-1 late in the game, Yasmeen Dmeiri converted a penalty for the a second goal but it wasn't enough as the Stampede lost 6-2. The girls bounced back tough for the 3rd place match on Sunday as they walloped the ACC Mavericks Dynamite 6-0 to secure the bronze. Ayotte was able to convert a free kick late in the first half making it 1-0 but it was the second half where the locals really turned on the heat. The barrage began as Lily Byrne put the moves on several defenders and drove in goal number two. Byrne then found Grace Barger at the 18 who blasted in goal number three. Ayotte and Dmeiri banged home the next two goals from inside the box as the Stampede continued to pass and create opportunities. The final goal came on an assist from Stampede keeper McKenna Lutzker as she punted the ball into the opponent's penalty area while Jordan Davis raced the opposing keeper and tapped the bounding ball into the net. A true team win it was. Adeline Umphress, Kaitlyn McElhern and Alex Hanna wore out the opponent with plenty of well-timed offensive runs. Support came from Sydney Moore, Grace Carlson and Emily Speakman just when the team needed it. And ferocious defense by Sophia Karperos and Skye Shaffer left the frustrated Maverick offense teary-eyed.
What a performance. What a year. Congratulations, Stampede!
