Galena High School's Howell Memorial Tournament has become somewhat of a playground for the Douglas High girls' soccer program.
Of the 10 times the tournament has been conducted, The Lady Tigers have won it five times.
Before last weekend, no one had been able to win it three consecutive times. Before last weekend.
Douglas blistered through its five-game schedule, posting four shutouts and outscoring its opponents 13-1.
"As many coaches will saw, this tournament prepares our squads for the season," Douglas coach Lorraine Fitzhugh said. "All of our players were given a good look in all five games.
"Each player rose to the occasion and played a part in the outcome. This team absolutely shows promise out of the gates and they are a treat to watch."
Douglas opened the tournament with a 2-1 win over McQueen. The Tigers got on the board first as Cora Moody scored on an assist from Tia Lyons. Lexie Weaver added the second goal, assisted by Katie Dry.
Brianna Randall started the game in net before giving way to freshman Courtney McKimmey, who made two saves and allowed a goal.
Douglas then shut out Incline 3-0, getting an unassisted goal from Katie Dry and a pair of unassisted goals from Tia Lyons. Randall again started the game in net and McKimmey recorded one save in posting the combined shutout.
The Tigers beat Truckee, the second-ranked team in the region last year, 2-0 with Weaver scoring on a Lyons assist and Dry scoring on an assist from Jessica Vega.
Randall and McKimmey again combined for the shutout.
Douglas then beat Northern 4A power Reed 3-0 as Weaver scored an unassisted goal, Lyons scored on an assist from April Hoogendijk and Aspen Abbot logged her first varsity goal, which was unassisted. Randall and McKimmey again combined for the shutout in net.
The Lady Tigers beat Spanish Springs 3-0 in the championship game as Dry scored a pair of unassisted goals and Shannon Prinz scored on an assist from Dry. McKimmey got the start in net and she combined for the shutout with Randall, who made two saves.
"We especially reestablished our fast-paced rhythm in the last game against Spanish Springs," Fitzhugh said.
Fitzhugh noted Prinz for her consistent play in the central midfield over the weekend, along with Dry for her all-around play and Randall and McKimmey for their play in net.
Dry, Moody, Randall and Alex Laing were named the team captains during the tournament.
"They led us well, as did Holly Downer, Shannon Hubbard and Tia Lyons," Fitzhugh said. "The younger members of the team did more than hold their own amongst their peers and opponents. April Hoogendijk, Aspen Abbott and Lacey Marsh, just to name a few."
Douglas hosts Reed Tuesday night at 7 p.m.. Check online for live updates and results.
