An eMail from my dad:
The Portsmouth Pirates Under-14 Girls team took the RI CUP DIV I State Championship yesterday with a crushing defeat of Barrington, 6-0. Led by the brilliant coaching of Debbie Roberts and assisted by Debi Seddon, the Pirates scored 13 unanswered goals during the championship elimination tournament which started on Thursday. Employing the little known Sicilian Swarm defensive strategy and defensively anchored by the bruising style of I will let neither ball nor player past me Michelle Gagne, the young ladies beat their opponents 3-0, 4-0 and 6-0 on Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. This victory culminates a march which began in the crisp New England autumn afternoons of September, ground through early Sunday winter mornings of indoor competition, and withstood the early season loss of outstanding back Erica to a knee injury. Not to be deterred, Michelle stepped up to the role thrust upon her by Erica’s injury, claiming her place as the Iron Maiden of Defense, punishing those who ventured into her field of play.
A hearty congratulations to Deb, Michelle, and all the girls!