Schools
9 December, 2022
Runner-up placing for Lowood U16 girls futsal
THE Lowood State High School U16 girls finished as runners-up while the U14s girls had a creditable fifth placing at the Calvary Cup futsal competition on November 23.
Lowood was among a range of schools from south-east Queensland which took part in the event at the Carbrook-based Calvary Christian College, as games were 18 minutes long without a break.
It was the first time Lowood took part in the Calvary Cup although numerous Lowood players had played in other futsal competitions.
Lowood’s U16 girls began their campaign with a resounding 13-0 win over Loganlea, before losing 3-2 to Shailer Park and 3-1 to John Paul College (JPC).
Lowood won its fourth match 2-0 against Redlands, and then beat the same team with the same scoreline in a semi-final. This enabled Lowood to contest JPC in the decider, with the Logan-based school prevailing 5-0.
Lowood coach Jacob Veraart said the combination play between Kyra Hayes, Jade Godby and Hanna Shearer was pleasing to see while the morale among the team was always high, regardless of the results.
“The bond that the girls have created provides the platform for an enjoyable team environment and therefore a successful team,” Mr Veraart said.
“The younger players have been made to feel welcome and included as part of the team by the senior girls.
“The girls struggled to find their groove for much of the tournament, they strung together patches of good offence but were reliant on their solid defence to stay in matches.
“The girls played well in the two matches against Redlands College but were outplayed by a good JPC team in the final.”
Mr Veraart said the players consistently conducted themselves well, on and off the court.
“They have done this for four years and continue to do so, setting a fantastic example for all Lowood students,” he said.
Lowood’s U14 girls meanwhile had a series of tight matches, starting with a 1-0 loss to the host school.
Lowood then had a scoreless draw with Ripley Valley, followed by a 2-1 loss to Pimpama, before finishing on a high with a 3-0 victory against Loganlea.
Lowood’s coach and assistant principal Matthew Peach said a few of the games could have gone either way, and that coming fifth was “a fair position to finish”.
“The highlight of the day was the determination and commitment that the girls displayed in every game, regardless of whether they were behind on the scoreboard or not,” he said.
“It was also wonderful to see the way in which all of the girls supported and encouraged each other throughout the day.”
Mr Peach said all of the Lowood players conducted themselves brilliantly, both on and off the court.
“The school’s RISE values of Respect, Integrity, Self-reliance and Engagement were on full display,” he said.
