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Trinity Tigers feeling gggreat
golden
Win OFSAA AA girls soccer title for the second time in three years
June 11, 2024
By Rob J. Ross
ST. THOMAS - They are easily recognizable with their bright yellow jerseys. Dandelions, bumblebees are some descriptions when out on the field. However, they are becoming known for winning provincial high school titles.
The Holy Trinity Tigers, from Bradford, just south Barrie, overlooking the Holland Marsh, are once again OFSAA AA girls soccer champions.
The team from Bradford won the OFSAA gold for the second time in three years, edging Hamilton St. Mary Crusaders, 3-2, in the gold medal match, June 8 at Password Park.
"We all stepped up when we needed to and when we had big games to play, we were all there," Tigers' co-captain Sabrina Lascano said. "We all showed up and not one of us played a bad game. Everyone was on their A game. That's all I ask my teammates for, and we win gold."
Holy Trinity jumped out to an early 2-0 lead and added a late second half goal making it 3-1.
Brianna Lascano, Vanessa Miranda and M Pitucco scored for the Tigers.
Caitlyn Gratton replied for St. Mary.
"I didn't expect this after last year. It's great to win again," said Maia Droppe, the team's lone Grade 12 player. "All of us coming together. We all really connected, like a community. We're really a family."
It may have been three gold in a row, but last season Oakville Blakelock defeated Holy Trinity in the quarterfinals, on their way to the gold medal.
Blakelock seems to have Holy Trinity's number, also with a 3-1 win during pool play this year. However, Blakelock fell to Dorchester in the quarterfinals, while Holy Trinity edged St. Mary's College from Sault Ste Marie, 2-1.
"It's an amazing experience to come out here as a family. Our connections. Our communication. Everything about us," said co-captain Ciera Antonio. "I consider all of these girls my sisters, coming together, fighting for the same cause. It really means a lot."
The Tigers actually have sisters, the Lascanos, with Sabrina and twins Brianna and Aaliyah.
"Winning in Grade nine was awesome, but honestly winning in Grade 11 as a senior felt way better," said Sabrina. "Especially with my sisters on the team now. Winning with my team, with my family, feels really good."
Holy Trinity went 3-1 in pool play, before defeating St. Mary's College and then Guelph Bishop Macdonell, 2-1, in the semifinals.
The Tigers had many fans watching from home on the live stream and of course their team was easy to follow on the screen.
"We're the bright yellow dandelions out there," laughed Antonio. "Bumblebees as we call it."
They are the Tigers, but know how to put the sting into their opponents.
Jumping put to a 2-0 lead put St. Mary on their heels, although the Crusaders made it 2-1 before the end of the first half.
"We came out very strong and I think they weren't expecting that," said Antonio. "We showed what a little carrot town could do."
Holy Trinity will be a favourite to repeat next year, since the team only loses only player to graduation.
To watch the gold match, visit Trinity vs St. Mary
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