The NWA Lightning Strikers ‘94G took the field against Georgia Champions Lazers ’94 Premier in the opening match of the Region III President’s Cup competition.  Jennifer Long scored in the ninth minute on an assist from Holyn Marshall to give the Strikers a 1-0 lead.  The defense held strong for the rest of the match and the Lightning had their first win. 

The Strikers went on to defeat the South Carolina Champions, CRSA Lady Rapids, 4-0 with an opening goal in the first minute by Lauren Perry and additional goals from Jennifer Long and Brittani Reagan.  In their third opening round match, the Strikers put away the winners from Louisiana, Mandeville United, 5-2 with goals from Jennifer Long and Jacky Miller.  With this win the Strikers were the only team in the Girl’s Under 14 division to win all three games in opening round play. 

The girls then met the Florida Champions, Pinecrest Premier, in the Regional Semi-Final game.   In the semi-final, the Strikers had several early scoring opportunities they were unable to convert and gave up a breakaway goal midway through the first half.  The girls played tough throughout the match eventually losing by a score of 0-2.

The girls were proud to represent the State of Arkansas at the Region III Presidents Cup and came away determined to return to the tournament next year and improve on their Semi-Final results.