Coules and Queens drop Vikings in quarter-finals, advance to semi-finals against Kodiaks
Brent Forster - Red Deer Polytechnic Athletics
Red Deer, AB - The captain of the Red Deer Polytechnic Queens Soccer team was on a mission Friday afternoon against the University of Alberta Augustana Vikings.
In the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) Women's Soccer South Division quarter-finals, Stettler's Alisha Coules scored four times, leading the Queens to a 7-3 home victory and a spot in Sunday's division semi-finals.
The Queens set the pace early and were rewarded in the 13th minute when Coules beat Vikings goalkeeper Sofia Ovcharenko from the right side.
Coules, a third-year Bachelor of Science Nursing student, added markers in the 23rd and 41st minutes for a first half hat trick.
Swartz (16)
Lacombe's Jenica Swartz and Edmonton's Sofia Quinteros also found the back of the net, giving the Queens a 5-0 edge at the half.
S. Quinteros (7)
Despite the lead, Mahziar Peyrow, Red Deer Polytechnic Queens Soccer Head Coach, credited the visitors.
"Augustana came out and played well in the first half," said Peyrow. "There were a few moments when we were caught a bit off guard, but the girls handled it well and were able to get a step on them."
In the second half, the Vikings switched goalkeepers. Kristi Bignell took over from Ovcharenko and was tested early.
The U of A Augustana Vikings tried to reduce the gap in the latter half. Vikings' second-year midfielder Hanna Boyce, defender Sydnee Dallyn, and forward Maya Pardeahtan found room behind Queens goalkeeper Danyelle Bouvier. Dallyn scored off of a penalty kick.
Coules scored her fourth goal in the 55th minute. First-year Red Deer Polytechnic forward Dominique Jackson rounded out the scoring. The Queens earned a 7-3 home victory and advanced to the division semi-finals on Sunday.
The Queens outshot the Vikings 17-5.
Coules was named the North Star Sports Queens Player of the Game. Dallyn received the honour for the Vikings.
Coules (9)
"That's the old Alisha coming out to play. That's what we've been missing and we're excited to see it back," said Peyrow. "It was good to see her out there, doing what she does best."
The Red Deer Polytechnic Queens will face the Kodiaks in Lethbridge on Sunday at 3 pm in the ACAC South Division semi-finals.
Peyrow believes quick and determined pressure will be a key factor in Sunday's game.
"We need to win the ball. We need to press on that ball and when we lose the ball, it's the counter press that counts," said Peyrow. "Winning that ball back within three seconds and not allowing any moments of opportunity for Lethbriddge at all. Zero."
Graduating student-athletes
Prior to the game, two Red Deer Polytechnic student-athletes were recognized for their time and contributions with the Queens Soccer team.
Rebecca McBride and Abbi Galloway were important members of the Queens, showing resiliency and dedication through the challenging times of COVID-19.
McBride (3)
McBride, a third-year Bachelor of Kinesiology student, consistently displayed an enthusiastic attitude and showed determination which made a positive impact on the team.
Galloway (6)
Galloway, a Bachelor of Education Elementary student, has shown grit and strong defensive abilities over her three years playing at Red Deer Polytechnic.