St Joseph’s Convent Port of Spain advance to Intercol semis

ST JOSEPH'S Convent Port of Spain made their trip to Tobago count, defeating Signal Hill Secondary on penalties in the Coca-Cola Intercol Girls quarterfinals at the Black Rock Recreation Ground in Black Rock on November 27.

After the 80-minute match ended 1-1, St Joseph's Convent won 5-4 in the penalty shootout.

Bethany Phillip was one of the standout players for Convent as she found the equaliser in the 69th minute and confirmed a spot in the semifinals for the Port of Spain school by converting her penalty.

The players and Convent supporters were jubilant after the victory, chanting we are the "Mighty Convent."

The match started off a bit scrappy in the early stages as the teams tried to settle in the contest.

Kaleah Duke stole the ball from the Convent defence, but her shot from inside the 18-yard box lacked power as Alexia Dolland made a comfortable save.

Convent captain Kaitlyn Darwent, a TT youth player, was a handful for Signal Hill throughout the contest with her dribbling ability.

In the 12th minute, Daneelyah Salandy attempted a close range shot but it did not break the deadlock for Convent.

Both teams were getting chances as on the other end, Duke was put through on goal but with just Dolland to beat shot wide.

The teams struggled to keep possession for long periods during the first half.

Rori Gittens had an opportunity to give Convent the lead before halftime, but her free kick from 25 yards missed the target.

In the 58th minute, Madison Campbell gave Signal Hill the lead as her free kick from 35 yards seemed to surprise Dolland in goal as the shot looped over her head.

Signal Hill kept the lead for more than ten minutes, until Phillip stepped up to take a free kick in the 69th minute. Phillip's equaliser gave Convent a burst of energy as they went in search of a second goal. No winner was found and the match was decided from the penalty spot.

St Joseph's Convent will now face San Juan North Secondary in the semifinals on December 1. In the other semifinal playing on the same day, Miracle Ministries will play Pleasantville Secondary. The final will be contested on December 5.