Lightning Wins Juventus Spring Showcase

The odds were not in Lightning White's favor, as the Gold level team headed into Game 1 of the Showcase tournament against top-ranked Pajaro Valley Premier.  Lightning came on strong, scoring first, but Pajaro managed to secure the tie with a last-minute goal.  Game 2 saw Lightning dispatch the ISC Reno Breakers in a convincing 5-1 win and then move on to face an old foe - the San Francisco Vikings (Valkyries Red).  A 3:1 win over San Francisco put Lightning into the final game, pitted once again against Pajaro Valley, and once again, things were not looking good, with Lightning down 0-2 at the half.  The next 35 minutes would be a total reversal, with Coach Margueritte Aozasa making critical half-time adjustments and Lightning responding by putting 2 in the net before the final whistle.  The tension was palpable as the teams moved directly into penalty kicks.  A save by goalie Taylor Ortiz and a perfect shot from defender Mia Bettendorf as the ninth kicker secured the trophy for Lightning White.