Holy Names three-peat and set impressive benchmark

1 day ago
2 min read

Playing Villanova in the AAA soccer final has become a tradition for the Holy Names senior girls soccer team. The Knights continued to hold the upperhand capping off another dominant season by securing their third straight WECSSAA title Wednesday night at St. Clair College’s Acumen Stadium, defeating the Wildcats 4-1.

"It feels so good. Every year feels so exciting. We always work hard to get. It's always our goal by the very first practice we always wanna win WECSSAA." said Anna Pozzi. "Defensively, I feel like everyone gave it all today, and I wouldn't have been able to do that without all my other teammates.

The Wildcats struck first, with Isabelle Sakalo finding the back of the net with her league-leading 14th goal, early to give Villanova a 1-0 lead. But Pozzi quickly flipped the script exploding for three goals in seven minutes to tilt the field in favour of the Knights, who led 3-1 at halftime.

"I thought we played well, especially in the first half," Isabelle Sakalo told Powerplay Sports. "I think after the first goal (by Pozzi) we definitely put our heads down a bit."

Villanova’s best chance to mount a comeback came in the second half when Mackenzie Doll unleashed a powerful shot from nine yards out. But Knights goalkeeper Alessia Venosa came up with a highlight-reel save, leaping to tip the ball over the crossbar with one hand and preserve the two-goal cushion.

The victory capped a remarkable run for Holy Names' senior class, who have now claimed nine WECSSAA championships over the last three years across soccer, volleyball, and basketball.

"It's empowering and an indication as to the athletes in this area for sure." said head coach Stacey Ditchfield. "They're in high school. Play when you can."

The Knights will continue play next week when they host the SWOSSA championship. If Holy Names wins, they’ll punch their ticket to OFSAA. A loss would send Villanova on the road for a play-in game, while a Holy Names win would give the Wildcats a shot to qualify for OFSAA on home turf.