Fatigue played a big part in the Senior Jewels 4-0 loss to the league-leading Mount Boucherie Bears last Wednesday in West Kelowna.
Including club games for Shuswap FC, some of the Jewels have appeared in 12 games in only three weeks, putting a great amount of strain on the players.
“This group of girls have played a tremendous number of games since the beginning of April,” said Tricia Martin, Jewels head coach.
The Bears were held to one goal in the first half.
The forward duo of Elena Bruns and Gabby Jackson were able to create a few chances of their own, but were unable to beat the Mount Boucherie keeper.
With tired legs and playing into the wind, the Jewels veteran-filled squad couldn’t hold off the attacking presence of Mount Boucherie, ultimately giving up three more goals in the second half. Despite giving up four goals, Jewels rookie goaltender Maia Journeau stood tall and made a number of terrific saves, even charging the Bears’ strikers. The Jewels are hopeful they’ll get another chance to face Mount Boucherie in the post season.
The Jewels will face North Kamloops Secondary in the first round of playoffs.