Friday evening, Sylvia and I were present for the Falcons’ game against Zeeland in the regional tournament.  The Falcons came on strong and had a commanding lead at half time.  Late in the fourth quarter, Zeeland tied the score at 6 to 6.  Briana scored once more and the Falcons won 7 to 6.  In winning they assured themselves a berth in the state tournament to be held June 4 & 5 in Saline, Michigan.

On Saturday, the Falcons played twice.  They met regional powerhouse, Hudsonville in the first game.  Going into the fourth quarter, the Falcons were up 5 to 3.  Could they do the impossible?  Evidently not!  Hudsonville scored 4 goals in the fourth and came out of the pool with a 7 to 5 win.

In the afternoon, they met East Grand Rapids.  The Falcons were on the short end of a 6 to 5 score.  The good news is that they are going to the state tournament.  The bad news is that they will probably meet Okemos, probably the best team in the state this year, in the first round.

Briana and Eliza were named to the all-tournament first team.  Julia was named to the second team and Sara received honorable mention.

At state, a Falcon loss to Okemos is not the end of the tournament for the girls.  However, the best they can do after that is fifth place if they win their next two games.  We’ll be following the action.

As a footnote.  Twice before the East Kentwood Falcons have placed sixth in the state tournament, so a fifth would be the best ever for the school.  Check back in a couple of weeks.

Barbara, Briana’s mom, uses the high-speed burst on her digital camera to capture the exciting action.  She has done a couple of flip books.  Each of them is a series of shots where Briana ends up scoring a goal.  As you flip through the images it is an animation as you follow the action of the shot, the flight of the ball, and the score.  Great job Mom!