Wednesday (Dec. 30) proved to be a tough final day for the
Xavier Prep soccer team in the Excalibur Tournament of Champions in Irvine,
Calif.
The Gators began the day at 3-0 after winning their first
three games of the tournament.
But they fell to Esperanza (Anaheim, Calif.) on penalty
kicks after battling to a scoreless tie in the semifinals, then suffered
another penalty-kick loss to Chaminade (Los Angeles) after the two teams tied
at 1 in regulation in the third-place game on Wednesday night.
Xavier coach Barb Chura said the Gators dominated the game
against Esperanza, but could not put the ball in the net during regulation
time.
Chura said she played reserves in the third-place game to
give them experience and the Gators held up well. Senior Jackie Tait scored the
XCP goal on a feed from sophomore Hannah Hale.
Xavier (8-2) had two players selected to the All-Tournament
Team – senior Lex Allard and sophomore goalkeeper Kinsey Ehmann.
The Gators return home to Petznick Field on Tuesday (Jan. 5)
for a game against Phoenix Pinnacle.