A hard fought battle versus the San Jose Sharks Girls during the CAHA State Championships weekend where the two teams faced off to decide whom was headed to Amherst, NY for the USA Hockey National Tournament.
The Lady Ducks 19U's overcame an opening 2-1 loss to the San Jose Jr. Sharks to defeat their NorCal rivals twice in knockout games. The LDs won Game 2 3-2 in overtime on Elle Gasseau's goal off a rush with Alicia Gomez. They beat the Jr. Sharks 3-1 in deciding third game on the strength Sayg Morton's standout game in net.
"Every single player wanted it," coach Lilli Marchant said. "Our defensive-mindedness and our goalie were the difference. Sayg stood on her head."
The weekend comeback was doubly important because not only did the LDs win a state championship but a Pacific District title as well. That clinched a return trip to the USA Hockey Nationals because they and the Jr. Sharks are the only two 19U AAA programs in the district this season.
"This weekend, I noticed a huge shift in the girls," Marchant said. "They knew they were playing for both state and district championships.
"After the first game was a huge turning point for the girls. They knew every game was a must-win after that. Their mindset and preparation was such that they wanted to win, and they said, 'We can do this.'"