_{Pallotti Gators go on to the finals, after upsetting defending champions Gwen Liz girls}

by William Ysaguirre (freelance reporter)

BELIZE CITY, Thurs. Feb. 13, 2025

The Pallotti Gators pulled off a historic upset, eliminating the then undefeated defending champions, Gwen Lizarraga High School girls, 2-1, in the Central Secondary Schools Sports Association (CSSSA) football semifinals at the Marion Jones Sports Complex on Tuesday afternoon, February 11, to take on the St. Catherine Academy Sea Hawks in the upcoming championship final on Saturday, February 15.

_{SCA Sea Hawks are still undefeated going into the finals}

In Game 1 of the semifinals, the also undefeated SCA Sea Hawks secured their berth in the finals by eliminating Wesley College, 2-1, with goals by Davae McCaulay (16’) and Tatiana Martinez (24’). Maliyah Garcia, Evelyn Noble, Maleah Bladen and Eisha Flowers pressed for more goals, but were held at bay by Wesley’s defenders, Tyra Rivera, Eloney Peters, Niyah Meighan and Akeelya Alvarez, who helped their goalkeeper, Daysha Carter, to not concede any more goals.

Clayian Swazo and Amaya Nunez led Wesley’s counterattack, with the help of Kiara Thomas, Markeyia Sutherland, Unique Smith and Diannie Alvarez at midfield. But Thaedra Holder anchored SCA’s defense with Rinel Smith, Akila Baizer and Anissa Stewart to secure the 2-0 lead up the half.

Swazo (30’) scored a consolation goal for Wesley after the break, and encouraged by this success, they pressed for the equalizer. SCA coach, Henry “Pulu” Gillett introduced Gysel Aldana and Jeslin Moran to help goalkeeper Caylee Espat secure the 2-1 win.

In Game 2, Kenya Gabourel (5’) gave Gwen Liz an early 1-0 lead over the Pallotti Gators, and Jonel Blease, Latisha Requeña, and Primilee Hope pressed for more goals. CODICADER bronze medallist Jasha Bernardez anchored the Gators’ defense along with Tishanna Pitts, Nyah Veve, Thelma Cortes and Joslyn Martinez to help goalkeeper Opehli Martin concede no more goals.

Down at the other end, Neylanie Noralez, Kalyana Gillett and Demika Jones pressed for the equalizer, and Neylanie Noralez (28’) found the back of the net. The Gwen Liz defenders’ handball infraction conceded a penalty, and Jasha Bernardez (48’) converted for the 2-1 lead. Jasmin Garnett and Keylla Meighan came off the Gwen Liz bench as they sought the equalizer; but the Gators locked up shop to secure the 2-1 win.

The Wesley girls will challenge Gwen Liz in the consolation match for 3rd place on Saturday morning, before the final.