Lightning Strikes Twice: Redwood Classic Champs Win at Eel River

Joe Homem’s U 12 Girls Mad River Lightning took home first place trophies from the Eel River Classic Tournament in Fortuna. As the reigning 2007 Redwood Classic champs, Lightning went to Fortuna confident and came out on top.

Lightning opened the tournament with a 1-1 tie against Eureka Breakers White. Alex Campbell, a.k.a. “Monkey,” scored the first goal for Lightning assisted by a cross from Brooke Coelho. Diving saves by goalie Megan Vina kept the game thrilling and Lightning fans on edge. Eureka White scored the only goal of the tournament against Lightning; Megan Vina and the Lightning defense shut out all other comers.

Lightning took on Napa 96 Saturday afternoon and showed the power of their strong passing game, maintaining possession of the ball most of the game. The first goal was set up by a Day Robins corner kick and knocked off the post and into the goal by Michaela Schunk. Kaylee Holland rocketed a P.K. passed the Napa goalie, ending the game with a 2-0 Lightning win.

☻Lighting Keeper Megan Vina won the Goalie Wars for her age group.☻

To secure a spot in the championship match, Lightning needed to shut-out Eureka Breakers Red Sunday morning and score at least 3 goals to earn 10 tournament points. They met the challenge with a 6-0 early morning win against Eureka Red and headed to the championship match with the highest tournament point total.

Alex “Monkey” Campbell started the Lighting scoring run. Monkey said, “I was happy when I scored one goal because I thought that was going to be my only one, but I was even happier when I scored again and again.”

Forwards Michaela Schunk and Madalyn McCreath added a goal each to Lightning’s total. Allissa Mooney also scored for Lightning, and she accelerated the tempo of the game with her fast-paced aggressive play.

Lightning faced Eureka White Sunday afternoon for the championship. The only goal of the game was scored on a direct kick shot over Eureka’s defense by Katerina Heppe. Katerina, Lightning’s dependable sweeper, was awarded tournament MVP.

The Lightning girls party after their win watching the Women's World Cup!