South Tahoe High has lost its appeal to overturn the red card issued to senior goalkeeper Alexis Nunes-Fenley during the Northern 4A Regional girls' soccer championship on Saturday.
Nunes-Fenley was issued the red card while trying to stop the one-one-one attempt by Douglas forward Katie Dry in overtime of the title match. Dry was awarded a penalty kick, which she converted to give the Tigers a 2-1 championship victory.
"It was the correct call. If (Katie) doesn't go down, she is going to put the ball in the net," said Jay Beesemyer, the assistant director for the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association.
Beesemyer, along with executive director Eddie Bonine and assistant director Donnie Nelson, reviewed the red card decision on Tuesday afternoon. They examined video provided by local sports TV filmer Dan Slater and other photos taken at the match.
"Some photos taken at the game clearly show the goalkeeper grabbing both legs of the Douglas kid," Beesemyer said.
Consequently, Nunes-Fenley must sit out the Vikings' next match - a state semifinal against Galena on Friday at Damonte Ranch High in Reno.
If the Vikings win that much, Nunes-Fenley will be permitted to play in the state finals on Saturday. South Tahoe and Douglas could meet in a rematch for the championship.
"South Tahoe's administration is in full agreement that the right call was made," Beesemyer said. "You hate to see a kid miss a state final or semifinal game, but we have to treat them all same, whether it's the first game of year or the last game of year."
