The Cochrane Rangers women's open team are the top division 3 team in the province.
Over the weekend at the Alberta Soccer Association provincials, the Rangers rose to the top with passion and heart to bring home a gold medal in what has been a banner year for the team.
In the spring, essentially the same team won silver in indoor the provincials, also another first for a women's team from the Cochrane Rangers club.
READ: Historic appearance by Cochrane Rangers in provincial final
They beat Foothills 2-0 in what became a tough physical battle against Foothills Legacy.
Coach and mentor Sarah Tas says it was a battle against a familiar foe. They had already faced them twice this season winning one, tying the other.
The Rangers entered their final match of provincials undefeated with two wins and a tie.
Aspen Kozak threw the ball from the wing to Trish Cech who found Carlin Frimmel at the top of the 18-yard box to put the Rangers ahead at the 32-minute mark.
"Frimmel made no mistake in hammering a low hard shot into the back of the net with her left foot," describes Rangers coach Sarah Tas.
The physical play hit a feverish pitch in the second half. At one point, a player from each side was issued a yellow card
"The Cochrane Rangers had to stand their ground against a tough physical battle where Foothills was throwing everything it could at us to tie it up," Tas says.
Foothills did score, only to have it ruled offside, leaving the Rangers ahead by one.
With two minutes left in regulation, Frimmel scored the assurance goal, capitalizing on a throw-in from Trish Cech that left her alone in front of Foothills net. She faked left and shot a low perfectly placed drive to the right corner.
Tas says the win was a testimony to the depth and chemistry of the team.
Anna Robitaille and Carlin Frimmel had three goals each in the tournament while singles were added by Erika Steven and defender Jade Connor netted one a la Vanessa Gilles.
Super keeper Sam Karman had three shutouts in their four matches.
"The strong saves by Karman and excellent communication from the back anchored the team," says Tas. "The defensive line contained staples like Jade Connor, Kat Dennis, Heather Higgins plus the players rotating into the D line: Whitney Zaparyniuk, Janie Vu and Hannah Tas, each of whom proved to be virtually impenetrable, boasting the fewest goals against in the provincial tourney, only allowing two goals in four games."
They went into the tournament without league-leading scorers Janine McCue (28 goals) and Julia Hume (18 goals). Tas says they were unphased and had to gusto to win gold.
"The team depth, flexibility and versatility were an advantage at provincials," says Tas. "With some members of the team unavailable to play Labour Day weekend, it gave provided the opportunity for others to try new roles. Players are open-minded. They are coachable and willing to give new ideas and positions a go."
MORE: Div. 3 Cochrane women's team heading to provincials
The Rangers advanced to provincials after winning Div. 3 of the Calgary Women's Soccer Association with a 16-1-1 season.
They've been promoted to Div. 2 for the 2025 season.