Sports | DrumhellerMail

Sabres end season with win

    The senior girls senior Sabres finished their season on a winning note after competing at zone in Cochrane.
   The team went into the tournament without a goal in season play, but had been working hard improving their game. Their improvement continued through the tournament.
   The team faced Foothills Composite in the first game, and stood strong but midway through the first half their defence broke down and Foothills scored. Emilie Toews scored one in the game, but Foothills went on to win 4-1.
   The Sabres showed determination versus Canmore, and had a number of great scoring chances, but went down 5-1 with Toews scoring. Their final of round robin saw them face George McDougall of Airdrie who won 6-1, Toews also scored in this game.
   “We could have easily packed it in, but instead we pushed on. We didn’t quit,” said coach Gavin Makse.
   They crossed over on Saturday, to play Olds for seventh place. The team came out on the offensive and Grade 8 player Brooklyn Davies scored giving them the lead. This was followed up by Grade 12s Lucy Deitzer, and then Madison Dube. In the second half Toews scored her fourth of the tournament, and Dube scored her second as the Sabres went on to a 5-1 win.
   “We had a number of players contribute goals,” said Makse. “The level of play was extremely high.
   This ends the season for the Sabres, who have competed well despite not having a league to play in. Makse was impressed with how the team conducted themselves.
   “The one thing to sum up how the team competed the whole weekend was their extremely high level of sportsmanship,” said Makse. “We were the only team at zones not to get a card the whole weekend. It doesn’t show up on the score sheet but for this tournament, it was phenomenal the way they acted.”

Sabres heading to soccer zones

    The Sabres Senior girls Soccer team is heading to zones this weekend and are sure to face some tough competition.
   The Sabres, led by a strong senior element are hoping for a strong showing. While they have not had any games since their home tournament where they were not able to score, they have been working hard to improve their game.
   “We are working on it one day at a time,” said coach Gavin Makse. “I tell the girls ‘you are a better team today than you were yesterday.’ That is our motto, to grow everyday as a team and an individual.”
   Coach Makse says the team has been playing against adult soccer players to get some game experience.
   “Playing against older, more skilled players is helping us,” he said, adding that the faster level of play is helping the Sabres adapt.
   The tournament is in Cochrane and has a round robin format. The Sabres are in a pool with Canmore, George McDougald of Airdrie and Foothills Composite High School from Okotoks.
   The team’s first game is against Foothills Composite at 10:30 a.m.
   “I think what is key for us is if we get that first goal in the first game it can give us confidence and really build on that momentum,” said Makse.
They then play Canmore at 1:45 p.m. and George McDougald at 5 p.m. on Friday.
   On Saturday, the pools cross over and how they finish will determine when they are back on the field.
   “It comes down to which team wants it the most at zones, and we are relying on those Grade 12's to lead us with their experience,” said Makse.

Bantam Titans wrap up league play Saturday

    The Bantam Titans have been dealt a couple losses, but are still on track to having their best season ever.
   On Saturday, October 1 they took on a strong Sylvan Lake team, but bowed 44-28. While the Titans were able to put up four touchdowns, coach Paul Redmond said the difference was defence.
   “We had not faced as strong as a defence as they had,” said Redmond. “I think we did better than most teams because we are a strong offensive team.”
   Last Saturday, they took on Springbank, but bowed 30-14. Coach Paul Redmond said the Titans were within striking distance throughout the game. He feels that Springbank had a stronger team than Sylvan Lake.
   “We played a lot better defence, but our offense kind up blew up,” said Redmond.
   The Titans had a chance to go up with the ball at Springbank’s one-yard line, but turned the ball over.
   “There were few mental errors on Saturday, and that cost us the game,” said Redmond. “I think we could have beat that team on Saturday, but there were just a few mental errors. I hope we can rectify, and play a little better against Olds.”
   These were the first losses of the season for the Titans; however, they still have a winning record, sitting at 3-2. They will be completing their league season this Saturday against Olds.
   For the first time the Bantam Titans will be playing for a spot at either Tier 2 or Tier 3 in the provincials, and are guaranteed at least two games in the post season.
   The team will begin league playoffs, and if they win their first game, they will be playing for the championship, and a shot at the Tier 2 grouping in provincials. If they lose, they can still win the league consolation, and can still earn a Tier 3 berth.
   “As long as we keep winning,” we are in good shape,” said Redmond.
   “You are facing pretty tough teams once you get to provincials. I think we can do pretty well. I’ve played teams from Lloydminster and Edmonton, and there is nothing new. I know what to expect when we get there,” said Redmond.

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