Stephanie Parker's soccer career at the University of Victoria will officially be etched in bronze after the fifth-year goalkeeper was instrumental in Sunday afternoon's 1-0 (4-1 in penalty kicks) triumph over the Ottawa Gee-Gees.
Lunging to her right, Parker got her hand on Christine Hardie's offering on Ottawa's first spot kick, demoralizing the Ontario champions and setting the tone for the bronze-medal win.
After a scoreless 90 minutes, Emma Greig was successful on Victoria's first attempt just prior to Parker's save. Then when Ottawa's Krista Draycott placed the second attempt well over the crossbar and Lindsay Hoetzel came through for a 2-0 Vikes lead, it was virtually done.
"It was very exciting to get the bronze," said Parker, while roughly 900 fans who braved the cold and wind at Centennial Stadium enthusiastically cheered on.
"Not coming away empty-handed from this weekend was a goal," admitted Parker, one of four graduating seniors. "Even though it's bronze, we're all very excited to be third in the country. It's a huge honour because there are 50 other teams who didn't get here."
An excellent point from Parker, who made a great guess on the first penalty shot.
"I decided in my mind I was going to my right, and when she dropped into the middle, I stuck out my hand and hoped for my best and it worked," she said. "Then the second girl hit it over, which was also good for us. But for us to score all four was terrific."
Chelsea Lanos finally connected on Ottawa's third of five kicks, but only after Jackie Harrison had made it 3-0 in kicks, avenging a missed opportunity from just five yards out in the dying minutes of regulation.
Jaclyn Sawicki put the nail in the coffin with UVic's fourth.
The initial stop, after Greig's goal, was the key, though.
"I think it is demoralizing because you become nervous and think, 'Now we have to score,' " Parker said of the opponent. "And we were so composed. I am so proud of them."
As were the fans, in particular members of the alumni huddled in the VIP tent behind the victorious net.
"It was so good for us," fifth-year midfielder Nathalie Scharf said of the save. "It gave her [Parker] confidence and us extra confidence, and excitement, too.
"It's a great way to go out and it's also a great way for them to start next season, on a high note," added Scharf, whose header on a cross from Sarah Douglas just missed in the 84th minute.
"Unfortunately, we didn't get first, but this is the farthest I've ever made it with this team so I'm pretty excited. It's exciting for us and for our fans. There was a lot of support from our alumni and I think they were pretty excited to see us win. Tracy [Vikes coach Tracy David] told us that they had been in this position before and it's good we came up with the win today."
It was the first medal for Vikes women's soccer since a national title in 2005.
