OOKS LEAD THE WAY AFTER FIRST NORTHERN REGIONAL FUTSAL TOURNAMENT

LAC LA BICHE – According to an old proverb, familiarity breeds contempt. And while that may be true in some cases, it's also true that it leads to excellent futsal.

Teams from Keyano College, Lakeland College, NAIT, Northwestern Polytechnic (NWP), Portage College, and The King's University more than proved that January 17-19 at the Bold Center. Hosting a fourth consecutive tournament at the facility dating back to last year, the multiplex was once again buzzing with the sound of cheers, jeers, chants, and songs as the squads played 15 games over three days during the first Northern Regional of the season.

Jyla Erandio and Daelin Horsfield helped to lead NAIT atop the standings after the weekend, each scoring seven goals as their squad completed a perfect weekend. Gracey Smithson also potted seven, as her Lakeland crew finish the weekend with a 3-2 record. Marissa Mestre, with six markers, helped the Keyano Huskies finish second at 4-1.

NWP Head Coach Catherine Ridgeway, who squad finished the weekend with a 1-3-1 mark, was pleased with her players' performance, particularly considering for many of them this was their first taste of ACAC futsal competition.

"You know, we're just starting with a lot of rookies, and we love coming to Lac La Biche and being able to play with the two fields side by side," she said of Bold Center design. "It really helps us to get and stay together."

The Wolves will have a chance to enjoy some home cooking next month, as they host the second Northern Regional tournament in Grande Prairie Feb. 21-23. The three teams with the best combined records from the two regional tournaments will qualify to represent the North at the provincial championships in Lloydminster March 7-9. By virtue of Lakeland hosting the event, only two other spots are up for grabs. In addition to hoping to snag one of those coveted spots, Ridgeway is really looking forward to playing in front of home crowd for a change.

"We're excited…There will be a lot of our fans (there)," she said. "We don't get to play futsal in our area very often so it's good for the whole community to get to see the game."

Standings (after first Northern Regional)

Top Scorers

• Jyla Erandio (NAIT) – 7 goals
• Daelin Horsfield (NAIT) – 7 goals
• Gracey Smithson (Lakeland) – 7 goals
• Marissa Mestre (Keyano) – 6 goals
• Darian Pluhator (Lakeland) – 6 goals