May 25, 2006

Background: The Under-17 team, made up of girls from Oceanside, Carlsbad, Escondido, Encinitas and San Diego, recently won the State Cup Gold Open Division in Lancaster. The team compiled a 5-0-1 record during the tournament. It's the first State Cup championship for this group.

The team: Claire Roberts, Kristen Kimball, Lauren Lucido, Kylie Garcilaso, Camille Malkiewicz, Liz Franco, Andrea Heflin, Grace Hunter, Erin Benjamin, Shannon Olson, Jasmine Wallace, Roylene Vargas, Natiel Oswald-Bauer, Robyn Cluka, Aubree Murguia and Mackenzie Killion. The team is coached by Paul Currie and managed by Ken and Donna Kimball.

Short-handed: During the first weekend of the tournament, injuries plagued the team, which played with the minimum 11 players. At times there were only 10 players on the field, yet the girls managed to reach the championship round.

Quotable: “It was a great achievement for them to get through,” Currie said. “For a while we thought we might not be able to compete. I think it was brilliant to get through the first weekend and they showed the heart and courage and will to win.”

Chemistry counts: The team first came together eight years ago as the Del Mar Sharks. When Currie shifted to the Surf, the team came with him, so most of the girls have been together for eight years.

Key stat: During the tournament, the Surf outscored opponents 22-5.

Team effort: “This is a team that doesn't have any stars,” the coach said. “The girls scored a lot of goals as a team. They have good abilities and they worked really hard for each other.”

 A profile of a North County athlete, team, alumnus, volunteer or person of interest is published each Thursday and Saturday on the Community Sports page. Do you have an idea for a profile? Contact Kevin Gemmell at (619) 718-5304 or kevin.gemmell@uniontrib.com

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