Homer Mariner girls came in fourth place out of 10 teams competing at the Region III Northern Lights Conference Soccer Tournament last week in Wasilla, nixing their chances at advancing to the State Championships.

Coach Mickey Todd said one of the team’s main goals was getting past the first round of single elimination on May 15. 

Like a replay from last year, Homer was once again matched against Grace Christian for the first round. 

“We played Grace two weeks ago in Anchorage and they beat us 6-0,” said Todd.

 Last year at Regions Homer was sent home after losing to Grace 5-1.

“We paid them back this time around,” Todd said with a chuckle. 

Homer won 3-2, with two goals scored by Mady Gerard, senior, and another scored by Maggie Koplin, senior. Todd complimented his defensive line-up as playing a “really good defensive game”.

Todd said as a celebration the girls jumped into Lake Lucille.

On Saturday, Homer suffered a heavy loss of 8-0 against Soldotna, who ended up winning the Region Tournament.

Todd predicts Soldotna will be in the top five teams competing in the state tournament.

The next day it was Homer versus Wasilla, and Homer lost 5-2. One goal was scored by Koplin on a penalty kick and the other by Zoia Basargin in a “scramble in front of the net.”

“We had some scoring opportunities but (Wasilla) was definitely a better team,” Todd said.

Even though Homer was one place shy of advancing to the state, Todd was optimistic about the team’s effort. 

“It was great that we won the first game, the seniors were determined that the team not go home early,” said Todd.

“We had just a great season, great group of kids, and I feel privileged to have coached them.”