Sports
2014 River Belles claim U9 Girls Championship, conclude stellar season

The 2014 VSO River Belles traveled to Frisco, Texas for the 2023 Frisco Shawnee Trails Shootout and emerged as champions in the U9 Girls bracket over the weekend, concluding their season. The team achieved a 3-1 record, outscoring their opponents 10-2 across the four games.
The tournament victory marked the River Belles’ sixth championship in eight attempts, concluding an extraordinary season.
The team commenced the weekend with a 3-1 win. Following a challenging second game on Saturday afternoon that resulted in a 1-0 loss, the only path to the finals required a resounding shutout victory. The River Belles rose to the occasion by defeating a previously undefeated team 5-0 on Sunday morning, securing their advancement. A 2-0 triumph in the finals ensured that the team would bring the 4.5-foot-tall winner’s trophy back to Mississippi.
“We couldn’t be any prouder of these girls,” stated Coach Daniel Sumerall. “Despite the excitement of staying in a hotel and attending an MLS game, they displayed exceptional team soccer after a long drive. Their focus heightened after the loss, and they came out strong on Sunday when it truly counted.”
The River Belles concluded their season with an impressive overall record of 21-6-3, with four out of the six losses incurred against teams at least one year older.
“They have been an incredibly enjoyable team to coach and witness their development,” expressed Sumerall. “They play an unwavering and selfless style of soccer that often surpasses their age.”
“We have consistently challenged this team by pitting them against older opponents, competing in gold brackets from Birmingham to Frisco, and traversing various locations across Mississippi. Without fail, they have risen to the occasion every single time. We are eagerly anticipating the upcoming season.”
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