In their very first game in the 3M League, Manalapan Jr. Girls "A" defeated Manalapan Jr. Girls "D" by a 5-3 margin.

 

The "A" team, got on the board early as Shayna's strong kick from just outside the 18 found the back of the net in the game's 12th minute. Shayna tallied again minutes later to give "A" a 2-0 lead.

 

Because of the humidity, the game was broken into quarters. In the game's 24th minute (corresponding to the second quarter), Cate L. scored her first goal of the season, finishing a brilliant right-side cross from Shayna, to give "A" what should have been an insurmountable 3-0 lead.

 

Manalapan "D", short on reserve players but not short on fight, steadily began to climb back into the contest, scoring in the 33rd minute just before the half ended. The third quarter was dominated by "D" as they added two goals to knot the game at 3 apiece and kept "A's" defense reeling.  The game's turning point, however, came in the 49th minute when Shayna's breakaway goal restored the lead in "A's" favor, giving them a 4-3 advantage and Shayna the "hat trick".  Amanda G., showing her signature quickness, added an insurance goal with 7 minutes left to end the scoring.

 

Although "A's" victory was a strong team effort, special acknowledgement must go to "B" for playing a solid game with only 10 players and no reserves in sweltering conditions.