The Fifth Annual PDA Girls College Showcase for 2007 ushered in the summer season as this year's Memorial Day Tournament saw temperatures climb into the middle eighties under bright, sun-drenched skies. In other opening match of the GU/16 Premier Bracket, a very close first half saw the Top Hat team break things open as the Blasters fell in a 5-0 game.

Although it might seem hard to believe, Commack had the better field position and chances during the first twenty minutes. Five minutes into the game, Gina had the first of two great chances that sailed high. Just four minutes later, Gina was again in the right spot from her center midfield position and her well driven ball dented the right post after passing through numerous players. With the scoreboard still clean, Top Hat broke through in the twenty-third minute on a corner kick that was actually struck beyond the far post. A perfectly placed header was put right back into the box and into the net for a 1-0 lead at halftime. Sara played well in goal throughout the half and rejected a point blank shot in the thirtieth minute to preserve the halftime score.

Second half action started in minute six as LB was hounded from behind on a defensive play that would wind up right at Sara's doorstep and the Hatters jumped on the opportunity to double the lead at 2-0. In minute twelve, Gina delivered a beautiful through-ball to Saulty and the resulting shot was placed just wide. On the ensuing play, a set piece expanded the lead to 3-0. Diane came on as keeper at this point and was met by two challenges around our defensive corners. The pressure on the defensive end was shared by everyone on the field as the second half did not see the midfield and forward control and attack that we had in the field half. The second half also saw the team trying to work in two guest players into the offensive and defensive flow, always a challenge at a top flight Premier Elite Tournament. The key was to get our attack sorted with three games still remaining in the tournament.

Date: May 26, 2007     Venue: Rutgers University - North Brunswick, NJ