_{Gwen Lizarraga High School girls football team}

by William Ysaguirre (freelance reporter)

BELIZE CITY, Wed. Feb. 5, 2025

The Gwen Lizarraga High School girls are leading the Central Secondary Schools Sports Association (CSSSA) football tournament which continued at the Marion Jones Sports Complex with 3 matches on Saturday morning and on Tuesday afternoon, February 1st & 4th.

In Game 1 on Saturday, Lakisha Requeña (15′) and Jonel Blease (30′) led defending champs Gwen Liz to their 2nd win, 2-0, over the Maud Williams High School girls.

The Maud Williams girls had done better in a 2-0 win over the Excelsior High girls last Tuesday, January 28.

In Game 2, the Excelsior High School girls held the 2023 champs, Wesley College girls, to a scoreless draw. Clayian Swazo and Amayah Nunez led Wesley’s attacks, supported by Kiara Thomas, Khia Yorke, Eloney Peters and Diannie Alvarez at midfield, but they were frustrated by Excelsior’s staunch defense. The referee was obliged to caution Excelsior’s Kyrah Palacio, Kyla Palacio and Shantae Shiel with yellow cards.

In Game 3, the St. Catherine Academy girls enjoyed their 2nd win, 2-0, over the Edward P. Yorke girls, with goals by Tatiana Martinez in the 1st half, and Maleah Bladen in the 2nd half. SCA’s goalkeeper Caydlee Espat denied E.P. Yorke’s every try, while coach Henry “Pulu” Gillett refreshed his attack lineup with Gyzel Aldana, Ella Flowers, Jahnique Staine, Jocelyn Cruz and Estephany Portillo relieving Kariyel Jones, Evelyn Noble, Jeslin Moran, Davae McCaulay and Bladen to keep the pressure on E.P. Yorke to the final whistle.

On Tuesday, the Gwen Liz girls celebrated their 3rd victory, 6-0, over the Excelsior girls, led by Jonel Blease’s hat trick (16′, 23′ & 36′). Other goals came from Kenya Gabourel (18′), Lakisha Requeña (42′) and Primilee Hope (46′).

The tournament continues on Saturday, February 8:

Pallotti Gators vs E.P. Yorke

Wesley College vs Maud Williams High

ACC vs St. Catherine Academy