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Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference "To be Canada's premiere collegiate athletic conference by developing and inspiring leadership through excellence in academics, sport and citizenship"
Posted: Mar 10, 2024

SAIT Beat NAIT in Semi-Finals to Advance

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In the heart of the Sunday semi-finals clash between NAIT and SAIT, the atmosphere pulsated with the intensity of a provincial rivalry that transcended the confines of the futsal court, echoing through the stands of the Bold Center in Lac La Biche, Alberta. From the opening whistle, SAIT surged forward, applying relentless pressure and creating scoring opportunities within the first few minutes, keeping NAIT on the defensive. The significance of the match was palpable, as both teams approached with cautious precision, wary of the other's potential.

At the 11-minute mark, SAIT's #13 Nicole Charlton seized the moment with a cunning strike, slipping the ball past NAIT's defense to open the scoring. Momentum favoured SAIT as #4 Ashley Bowman added to their lead just nine minutes later, capitalizing on a prime opportunity in front of the net. However, NAIT refused to falter, despite missing a golden chance just before halftime. In a blink-and-you'll-miss-it moment, NAIT found the back of the net with a surprising play, narrowing the deficit to one goal just before the break.

As the second half unfolded, #13 Nicole Charlton of SAIT showcased incredible skill, mesmerizing spectators with her deft juggling and agile footwork, weaving through NAIT's defense like a virtuoso on the pitch. Yet, it was #4 Ashley Bowman of SAIT who once again found the target around the nine-minute mark, capitalizing on a broken play and extending their lead. NAIT fought back valiantly, scoring amidst a goalmouth scramble with just under six minutes remaining, igniting hopes of a comeback. However, SAIT's determination remained unwavering, as evidenced by their near miss off the goalpost with less than three minutes left.

In the end, it was SAIT who emerged victorious, clinching a hard-fought victory in a game defined by tenacity and skill. The Bold Center bore witness to a memorable chapter in the storied rivalry between these two teams, leaving spectators in awe of the sheer intensity and spectacle of college futsal at its finest.

Players of the game were #3 Amy Fallows for SAIT and #4 Sasha Pietramala for the Ooks.