May 27, 2009 - 12:47 PM

NIAGARA FALLS -- The Pickering Power Strikers U12 girls kicked off their 2009 outdoor season with a win in the Under 12 North American Division of the West Niagara Tournament.

Not only did they face strong competition on the field, they had to deal with harsh inclement weather including cold temperatures, driving rain and very strong winds on the first day. They prevailed though against the weather and opposition to bring back the championship trophy from their division.

In their first round-robin game, Pickering faced Erin Mills United Eagles and came away with a 4-1 win. The next round-robin game of the day had them taking their second win of 2-1 against the Stoney Creek Angels.

These two wins put them through to the quarterfinals where they started the day by posting a 3-0 win against the Waterloo Warriors for their only shutout of the tournament. The semifinals saw them play against the Oakville Red Gaels. With a 3-1 score in this game, they headed to the championship game against the Darlington Fusion.

Pickering prevailed with a final score of 2-1 against the Fusion, returning home proudly with the championship trophy for the Pickering Soccer Club.

The Pickering Power Strikers U12 team members are Megan Doll, Ashna Ganeshan, Breanna Geuvara, Nicole Laing, Danelle Lindo, Nicole McMillen, Madison Penfold, Nikayla Rodney-Scarlett, Sara Schoelfield, Breanna Sundberg, Stephaine Tannis, Jamila Thombs, Justah Wynter, Simone Wark, Maja Zdravkovic and the goalie Taylor Lamothe. Coached by Gene Gesualdo, assisted by Krish Ganeshan, managed by Bill Schoelfield, assisted by Shannon Gesualdo.