The Cochrane Cobras varsity girls soccer team found some redemption in winning the divisional finals late this afternoon, Oct. 25, in Airdrie.

The Cobras fought back from an early 1-0 deficit to beat the Chestermere Lakes, 3-2, and successfully defend their Rocky View title.

"It was hard to lose at zones," says head coach Carolyn Mcleod. "We had a tough game against HTA (Holy Trinity Academy), so this was our redemption and we were able to get the job done."

"It was tight the whole way," she says. "It wasn't in anybody's bag ever. It was a fight on both ends. They're a strong team and they don't quit."

Caught by surprise early by the Lakers, who have been building momentum as the season progressed, the Cobras dug down deep to score three goals and secure a solid lead 3-1. The Lakers didn't fold their sails and scored late to close the gap. A stellar Cobra defense kept them in check until the sounding of the final whistle.

"Our team had to unleash their whole effort. Everybody played and everybody played really well."

Mcleod had been anticipating a matchup with the Lakers and it's the first time she recalls playing them for the title.  She says they were well coached, have a good system and capitalized on their strong players.

"I thought we were going to be playing Chestermere because I knew how well they had been doing and I knew how their season was progressing. I figured they would come at us with everything they had."

With only four grade 12 players, the Cobras have a solid base of young players going into the future. 

"Our 12s are very strong so it will be tough to lose them, but our team is very young and I think we'll be very strong for a few years."

"Our grade 9s have been outstanding and they're only going to get better."

Jamie Rovere scored twice for the Cobras and Shya Lilly scored the insurance goal.

The 2018 RVS Varsity Girls Soccer Champions