Bernice register first win in Women’s league against Strikers with shutout of rookies

BERNICE registered their first win over the Women’s National Soccer League season after the Southern Conference cellar dwellers stunned Port Moresby Strikers 4-2 in the nation’s capital on Saturday.
The Miriam Lanta-coached side scored their goals through Erlynda Kabo, Catherine Horris and Rachael Urquhart (double) at Papua New Guinea Football Stadium.
Strikers responded with a double scored by Hipak Pokichong, but they could not catch up with the rookies in the absence of their national representative players.
“I’m very proud of our first win,” Lanta said.
“Credit to the team for winning the game.
“They’ve worked hard following Wednesday’s loss to Souths Hinamo. We came back stronger for this game. A lot of times, I tell them to enjoy the game. But today (Saturday), I told them that this was like a grand final, so they were motivated.
“I made some changes to the team.
“Our backline is now stronger.
“I’ll retain the same line-up against Hekari (United on Wednesday), but we’ll take every game as it comes. I know (ladder leaders) Hekari are the best side, but we’ll try to play more defensive in the first half.” Lanta said the win had boosted their morale in the country’s premier women’s football competition.
“The team is made up of secondary school students, most of them are from Caritas and Jubilee Secondary School,” she said.
“We’re last on the ladder, but we are thrilled to get our first win. Most of our players are young, from 16 years old and up, with about three experienced players.
“We’ll look at recruiting other players next year to add to the bulk of the squad. I have now been guaranteed that we have sponsorship support for next season.”
Strikers, on the other hand, did not field their experienced players in skipper Yvonne Gabong, defenders Lucy Maino and Lavinia Hola, and striker Ramona Padio.