MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- LADY SAMURAI — The girls began with round robin, playing multiple games throughout the week. The Lady Samurai never lost a game in Round Robin, tying only with Robert D. Edgren High School Lady Eagles. Anticipation grew as Perry inched closer to the championship.
Friday, May 25, 2012, the Samurai girls’ soccer team suited up and walked onto the muddy field. It was the championship game and the Lady Samurai prepared to battle for the title for the second year in a row. Veterans from the previous year would remember the heartache they endured in the 2011 loss to Osan.
The Samurai took the win with a final score of 5-2. Junior Samantha Herritt scored a total of four goals, including a penalty kick.
Freshman Sierra Apple assisted three of those goals, a remarkable accomplishment for a freshman on the varsity team. Junior Anne Naseer also made a goal, helping the Lady Samurai win the game.
The girls ran off the field with tears running down their faces. This would be the first time the Lady Samurai won a championship in M.C. Perry history.
“All the girls realized that all our hard work during the season has paid off. We knew that we left it all on the field” says Herritt. “All of us trusted each other and did not give up, Naseer, MVP of the tournament, agreeably stated."Being the champion with this year’s team made history for M.C. Perry. I would like to thank the team for allowing me to be their captain for this memorable moment.”
Sophomore Lexie Krenek, Herritt, and Naseer were named to the Far East Pacific All Tournament team, receiving a banner in the high school gym. The victory caused much excitement, and there is one thing for certain, the girls can’t wait until next year.
SAMURAI — The Samurai set their eyes on the prize, a possible second Far East Championship title. The boys endured a tough week in Osan, Korea. The Samurai played through round-robin tournament, winning every game they played. This would be the second championship for the Samurai, who battled against the Yongsan International School of Seoul Guardians. Both teams focused on victory at the start of the tournament. The Samurai were quite familiar with the Guardians, as the two teams have played for the championship three years in a row, with the Samurai winning their first year.
Coach Mark Lange gathered his team in a huddle before the game and embraced them on the Osan American High School field. Sweat dripped from their foreheads. Coach Lange looked them in the eyes, “Many minds, one heart.”
The weather was seemingly perfect and within the first half, a goal was made. The Yongsan International School of Seoul Guardians scored the first goal within minutes, causing the Samurai to focus on the game.
The Samurai quickly got revenge, responding with a by sophomore Gaku Lange.
During the second half, neither team scored, leaving both YISS and Perry in a dead tie.
The game moved on to penalty kicks. Players who represented Perry for penalty kicks were Lange, junior Yasuki Milsop, senior Yuta Fleming and senior Tyelor Apple. The game's outcome would depend on Apple’s penalty kick. Yet, the record breaking scorer of the Pacific would not disappoint, bringing in a final goal which would bring them victory.
Apple, who was named to the Far East Pacific All Tournament team for Japan, also scored a total of 64 goals for the 2011-2012 soccer season.
“Coach Lange is probably one of the best coaches in (Department of Defense Dependents Schools),not only in soccer but tennis as well," said Apple. "In the last three years he’s coached both teams to multiple championships. The way he brings the team together through his fatherly figure is something that I’ll miss as I move onto college.”
The final game ended with a score of 4-2. Alex Barker, M.C. Perry senior and Samurai player, spoke about what the championship game meant to him.
“Winning the championship game was like the cherry on top for my senior year," said Barker. "Watching the team grow was a profound experience and I wish them the best of luck in being the future Samurai soccer team.”