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<p><strong>MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C.</strong> — Kentucky provided the offensive horses and the West ran away with a 6-2 victory over the East in the annual High School Girls All-America Game played Dec. 14 at Wando High School.</p>
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<p>Caitlin Chase from Sacred Heart Academy (Ky.) and [player_tooltip player_id='22429' first='Tatum' last='Borman'] from Scott County (Ky.) scored twice to lead the West team, which snapped a five-match losing streak to the East. [player_tooltip player_id='122275' first='Presley' last='Pennekamp'] from Oak Hills (Ohio) and [player_tooltip player_id='121799' first='Sophia' last='Sindelar'] of Rocky River (Ohio) netted the other West goals. Alexa Pino of St. Joseph (Conn.) and Nine Cantor from Harriton (Pa.) scored for the East. The contest featured standout players from fall-playing high school programs.</p>
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<p>The following are the Best XI from the match as determined by observations and coaches recommendations:</p>
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<p>GK: Elizabeth Rozmajzi, Massillon Jackson (Ohio), Ohio State: Selecting a goalkeeper was challenging, as all three eligible keepers rotated between teams. Ultimately, the coaches chose Rozmajzi for her reliable performance.</p>
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<p>D: Julia Johnson, Green Farms Academy (Conn.), Princeton: A commanding center back for the East, Johnson was a stalwart in defense, frequently neutralizing the West's attacking efforts during her time on the field.</p>
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<p>D: Sophia Stiles, Portland Jesuit (Ore.), Rutgers: Stiles, a center back and West Co-MVP, was the backbone of the defensive line. She excelled at recovering when beaten and played a critical role in maintaining the West's defensive stability.</p>
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<p>D/M: Paige Nakada, Grant (Ore.), San Francisco: Nakada starred at outside back but demonstrated her versatility by excelling in multiple positions. Her composure on the ball and sharp vision set her apart.</p>
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<p>M: Helen Ghertner, Harpeth Hall (Tenn.), South Carolina: Calm under pressure and consistently making smart decisions, Ghertner was a composed presence in the midfield.</p>
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<p>M: [player_tooltip player_id='121834' first='Hannah' last='Pachan'], Walsh Jesuit (Ohio), Virginia Tech: Pachan showcased an incredible work rate as a box-to-box midfielder, igniting the West's attack.</p>
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<p>F: Tess Barrett, Cohasset (Mass.), Boston College: Although Barrett didn't score, she was a constant threat up front with her pace and explosive runs toward goal.</p>
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<p>F: Caitlin Chase, Sacred Heart Academy (Ky.), Vanderbilt: The Kentucky Ms. Soccer lived up to her reputation on the national stage, scoring twice. Her first goal leveled the match at 1-1, and her second effectively sealed the game, extending the West's lead to 5-2 with 30 minutes remaining. A smart forward, Chase consistently found herself in the right positions to make an impact.</p>
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<p>F: Alexa Pino, St. Joseph (Conn.), South Carolina: A three-time High School All-America selection, Pino was arguably the best player on the field. She opened the scoring and created multiple chances throughout the game with her exceptional ball control and creativity.</p>
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<p>F: [player_tooltip player_id='121799' first='Sophia' last='Sindelar'], Rocky River (Ohio), Florida: Sindelar, a West Co-MVP, is a fearless attacker with a keen eye for goal. She thrives in physical play and delivered a crucial goal early in the second half to restore the West's two-goal lead after the East had closed the gap to 3-2.</p>
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<p>Others who impressed:</p>
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<p>F: [player_tooltip player_id='22429' first='Tatum' last='Borman'], Scott County (Ky.), Mississippi State: Borman was a two-goal scorer for the West.</p>
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<p>F: Nina Cantor, Harriton (Pa.), Princeton: Cantor's ability to goal forward was rewarded with a goal in the second half.</p>
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<p>D: Julia Joseph, Lake Oswego (Ore.), Rutgers: The forward-minded right back was an impact player for the West.</p>
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<p>M: Emily Mara, Phillips Andover (Mass.), Boston College: Coaches liked Mara's ability to get into the attack.</p>
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<p>D: Kennedy Ring, Columbia (N.Y.), Penn State: Ring was very good on the ball and defended well from the center-back position.</p>
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MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. — Kentucky provided the offensive horses and the West ran away with a 6-2 victory over the East in the annual High School Girls All-America Game played Dec. 14 at Wando High School.
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