The Cowichan U18 girls indoor Malcolm Fernandes memorial tournament took place Jan. 24-26 at the Cowichan Community Centre. Named after Cowichan’s legendary indoor coach who died in 2015, the Fernandes tournament is one players circle on their calendars every year.
This year the host team placed fourth overall, behind winners, Sea to Sky - Black, runners-up, Sea to Sky - Aqua, and bronze-medallists, Victoria.
"All the athletes played incredibly hard, were positive and showed great teamwork," said tournament coordinator Tanya Ellingson. "Some were in their first year and stepped up to play for Cowichan."
Cowichan's roster included Agnes Bergstoel, Cassidy Hill, Kaila Luff, Kennedy Wipplinger, Marissa Erickson, Natalie Ellingson, Nele Lucy, Peyton Wipplinger, Emma Hill, Charlotte Gibson, and Malia O'Donnell.
The team opened the event with a 2-1 victory over Calgary's Legacy Academy and a 3-2 win over Sea to Sky - Aqua. Cowichan then fell 4-1 to Sea to Sky - Black, and 3-2 to Victoria to finish up the round robin with a record of two wins, two losses.
The host team was beaten 1-0 by Victoria in the semi-final to drop down to the bronze-medal match where they lost a narrow 4-3 decision to Legacy Academy.
"Thank you to all the coaches, managers, technical table volunteers, umpires, athletes and parents who all played a vital role in making this tournament a success," said Ellingson. "The warmth and hospitality shown by our community was noticed and appreciated.
