Lightning Girls Under 12 Squad Takes Session 2 Championship

The undefeated number one seed Johnston Lightning Under 12-B West girls' soccer team didn't just show up on March 19 to compete in the Session 2 playoffs — they beat every team they played at Wide World of in Indoor Sports in North Smithfield to bring home the championship.

Head coach Dan Robbins said the girls worked very hard all during Session 2 to finish with an 8-0-0 record, and credited his squad with good team chemistry.

That cooperation would be needed on March 19, as the Lightning would play all of their playoff opponents in one day.

Johnston's first challenge was the quarterfinals, as they faced off against the Ocean State Jaguars, who posted an 0-8-0 record for Session 2. The game was only 25 minutes long, and was an easy victory for Johnston as they shut out the Jaguars, 6-0, and advanced to the semifinals.

After a short break, the girls went back to work and facred off against the North Providence Youth Soccer Association, who went 5-3-0 during the session.

About 10 minutes in to the game,  Johnston's top scorer Bianca Robbins got possession of the soccer ball and scored the first goal of the game.

Johnston's Julia Pezzuco made a beeline to her opponents' net and kicked in the second goal. Both teams were tied at 2-2 when they went to a penalty kick to settle the match.

Once again, Bianca booted the soccer ball past the North Providence goal keeper, and Stefania Russillo added another shoot-out goal, giving Johnston the win, 4-2.

There was no rest for the girls just yet, as they were about to face their toughest challenge: a full game against Burrilliville/Glocester Youth Soccer Association, who entered the game after posting a 7 -1-0 Session 2 record.

The first half started with tight defense for both teams, as Russillo, now assigned to guard the net, had a number of good saves. For awhile, one of the players could score, leaving their parents to wonder if the team would go in to over time.

Defense ruled again in the second half, as backup Lightning goalie Madison Plouffe was also quick on her feet to not let any goals in. Then Robbins broke loose and kicked in the first goal of the game — and that wasn't the last time her opponents heard from, her despite the fact Burrillville's coach was telling her players to stay on 23, Robbins's number.

The speedy Robbins posted the game-winner, leading the Johnston squad to a 2-1 finals victory.

"I am so proud of all the girls. They all progressed as a team and as individuals," said coach Robbins, adding the team is looking forward for spring soccer, scheduled to start April 2 at the new soccer fields behind Johnston High School.