Submitted photo From left are Leyna Irwin, Sarah Kruszka, Natalie Dossey, Alex Caldwell, Clara Steinberg, Lilly Pedro Newton, Attie Corey, Gianna Bowles, Meea Irwin, Morgan Alexnder, Malory Atwater, and Lilly Stanley. The Queens are coached by Ryan Irwin and DJ Steinberg.

The Kinzua Queens won their third major interstate soccer tournament of 2021 in Sandusky, Ohio last weekend, defeating teams from Michigan and Ohio to be crowned the U15 Columbus Day Classic champions. They won all four games and outscored their opponents 12-1.

They won a nail-biter of a final championship match, 2-1, against a really tough team from Michigan.

“The girls dominated every match all the way up to the final game,” Coach DJ Steinberg said. “They controlled the ball, the midfielders maintained possession, and they capitalized on almost every scoring opportunity. The defense was virtually impenetrable, allowing only one goal the entire tournament. In the championship match, they played a very tough and talented tournament team from Michigan. It was very close the whole game, but the Queens edged them out in the end. They just outplayed them.”

Amazingly, the Queens won the tournament with only substitute in adding another impressive entry on their 2021 tournament resume, including PA West Open champions; Memorial Day Classic champions; Plum Classic Silver finalists; and Columbus Day Tournament champions.

In the spring, the Queens took first place in the Southern Tier Soccer League. Currently undefeated in the regular season with a record of 4-0, they have outscored opponents 11-1, defeating teams from Erie, Greenville, and Meadville.