Day 2 Recap: Eyes on the Summit

Day 2 Recap: Eyes on the Summit

If Day 1 was about battling the storm, then Day 2 was about the ascent — scaling the slopes of potential with one goal in mind: reaching the peak. With the group stages behind them and playoff hockey in full swing, the quarterfinals asked the toughest questions yet. And only those with the stamina, strategy, and mental steel made it through.

Like climbers pressing toward the summit, the semifinalists now stand just one step away from glory — and the air up here is getting thin.

U19: The Final Four Take Shape

The Quarterfinals in the U19 division delivered drama, grit, and class in equal measure:

• Herschel continued their perfect march with a 3-1 win over Durban Girls College, powered by a composed finish from Katherine Featherstone and a brace from Emily Dickinson, who’s fast becoming the heartbeat of their campaign.
• Paarl Gim confirmed their status as favourites with a composed 3-0 win over Rustenburg, never looking in danger as Imke Koegelenberg and the ever-present Alanda Rademeyer found the net.
• The “Battle of the Kloofs” was a cagey affair — St. Mary’s Kloof edged out Waterkloof 1-0, thanks to a captain’s finish from Nicola Forbes, leading from the front when it mattered most.
• Pearson and Collegiate served up the quarterfinal of the tournament. Collegiate struck through Jenna Coetzee and Kerrin Gillies, but it was Chanelle Venter and a brilliant double from Annemi De Villiers that sealed a thrilling 3-2 win and a semifinal place for Pearson.

Semifinals:

• Herschel vs Pearson
• St. Mary’s Kloof vs Paarl Gim

U16: Held Nerve, Seized Moments

The U16 quarterfinals were tight, tactical, and full of key moments seized under pressure:

• Affies were pushed to the edge by Reddam Constantia, drawing 1-1 in regulation thanks to goals from Courtney Thomas and Izebelle Booysen, but held their nerve in the shootout to book their semifinal spot.
• Rhenish stayed on track with a 2-1 win over Fairmont, responding to an early strike from Jessica Swanepoel with goals from Megan Bennie and Nicola Muller.
• Paarl Gim marched on with a clinical 2-0 win over Collegiate, with Nina Colyn netting twice in a commanding performance.
• Waterkloof held off a fighting Pearson side for a 2-1 win, turning to Ane Prinsloo and Zoe Barnes to get the job done after conceding early.

Semifinals:

• Rhenish vs Waterkloof
• Paarl Gim vs Affies

U14: Big Wins, Bigger Statements

At the base of the mountain, the U14s aren’t far behind — and the quarterfinals showed just how much talent is brewing for the future.

• Herschel turned up the volume with a 6-0 demolition of Waterkloof, with goals spread across the park: Casey Laver, Georgina Maurel, and braces for both Rana Khan and Michela Pharo.
• Affies were too strong for Bloemhof, winning 3-1. Bella Grobbelaar gave Bloemhof early hope, but it was Kelly Homan and a double from Li-May Swanepoel that sent Affies through.
• St. Stithians upset the odds by knocking out Paarl Gim 1-0, with Rachel Walsh playing the hero and sending the Johannesburg side to the semifinals.
• Rhenish kept up their clean slate with a 2-0 win over La Rochelle, thanks to sharp finishes from Ella Dunlop and Zahra Staples.

Semifinals:

• St. Stithians vs Affies
• Rhenish vs Herschel

Final Day: The Summit Awaits

The final climb is here.

Three divisions. Six semifinals. Three champions to crown.
The final day of the Belgotex Sport Girls Challenge promises drama, heart, and history in the making. The boots are laced, the ropes are tight, and the summit is in sight.

Now — who will plant their flag at the peak?