Jackets, Bees claim tournament titles

Jackets celebrate! — It was pandemonium at SSA Complex when Stephenville stunned 5A power Waco University for the tournament title. || TheFlashToday.com photo by BRAD KEITH

By BRAD KEITH

TheFlashToday.com

STEPHENVILLE (January 16, 2016) — Noble Alexander dove to his right to block the first Waco University penalty kick and dove to his left to stop their fourth attempt.

This and a host of impressive saves by the Stephenville keeper in regulation lifted the Yellow Jackets to a 0-0 (4-2) victory over 5A powerhouse Waco University in the championship match of the Knights of Columbus Challenge of Champions at Stephenville Soccer Complex Saturday afternoon.

Stephenville players celebrate their stunning upset of Waco University in a penalty kick shootout after a scoreless tie to complete their championship run through the Knights of Columbus Challenge of Champions. || TheFlashToday.com photo by BRAD KEITH

The thriller concluded a perfect day for the Stephenville varsity teams, as they braved the chilly weather to claim both tournament titles. The Honeybees were especially impressive with hat tricks by Julie Morken and Skylar Chipman in a 8-1 trumping of Everman.

Morken had her hat trick before halftime, one of them a rebound that she clanged off the far post and into the right third of the net. Chipman scored twice as part of the 5-0 first-half onslaught, and quickly added a third goal when teams returned to the pitch after intermission.

Chipman shared MVP honors with her senior classmate and fellow striker Bayleigh Chaviers, a Miami commit. Chaviers had an assist in the championship, while Mikayla Hobbs had a goal and an impressive assist on a header to Chaviers. The other goal was scored by RaiLee Reed.

But the boys match was especially enthralling, as Stephenville, which appeared to have a mountain of obstacles to climb on paper, actually was the aggressor for much of the afternoon. Veloz missed high or just wide on multiple opportunities in front of the net.

But Veloz had his time to shine as one of those who scored in the shootout, joining Tino Rocha, Brett Alford and Ivan Cabrera.

But while Veloz may have been at the point of most Yellow Jacket attacks throughout the weekend, it was Alexander that was the the stalwart in goal as Stephenville shutout four of its five opponents.

The varsity Yellow Jackets return to their regular home pitch at Lem Brock Field on Friday to host Burkburnett. The Honeybee varsity team faces Waco High at Lem Brock Field at 7 p.m. Monday.