Furuyama scores six in RDP Queens' victory over Rattlers, continues to lead ACAC in scoring

Red Deer, AB - Red Deer Polytechnic Queens first-year striker Sein Furuyama continues to make her mark on Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) Women's Soccer.

Entering the weekend, Japan's Furuyama led the league with eight goals in three games. With another outstanding performance of six goals and two assists against the Medicine Hat College Rattlers, the talented student-athlete expanded her lead in the ACAC Women's Soccer scoring race and sparked the RDP Queens to a 14-1 victory.

"Sein is unreal. I'm extremely happy with Sein," said Mahziar Peyrow, Red Deer Polytechnic Queens Soccer Head Coach. "I just want to keep her going. She has great potential to be an ACAC All-Star and maybe even a CCAA All-Star, who knows."

Coules (9), Fujimoto (2), Smith (5)

The Red Deer Polytechnic Queens had a quick start. In the second minute, captain Alisha Coules raced up the right side. Then Coules connected with teammate Corbynn Fujimoto in front of the Rattlers' net. Fujimoto, a Bachelor of Commerce student from Red Deer, struck a high shot that Medicine Hat's goalkeeper Alyssa Heidel couldn't fully deflect over the crossbar and the home team grabbed a 1-0 edge.

"Corbynn's first goal was a great goal," added Peyrow. "It was good that we got that so quick."

Fujimoto (2)

The Medicine Hat College Rattlers started to push back and twelve minutes later they evened the contest 1-1. Third-year midfielder Maisa Rebella converted a penalty kick past Queens goalkeeper Abby Kotyk on the right side.

"We were flat footed in the first 20 minutes of the game. It was frustrating to see at first," explained Peyrow. "The game was played a bit different than what the Queens are used to, but they got a hold of it towards the end and really stepped it up which was nice to see."

Then the Queens offence hit an extra gear, scoring five consecutive goals to take a 6-1 edge at the half. Furuyama ignited the offence with three goals and two assists during that span. Sylvan Lake's Grace Smith and Stettler's Coules also found the back of the net. 

In the second half, Furuyama recorded her fourth goal of the afternoon off of a penalty kick. Then Lacombe's Jenica Swartz, who also stars with the RDP Cross Country Running team, added the Queens' eighth marker. Furuyama, Fujimoto, Estel Quinteros and Red Deer's Jaden Humphrey tacked on goals.

Estel Quinteros (8)

The Red Deer Polytechnic Queens earned a 14-1 victory.

Furuyama was named the North Star Sports Queens Player of the Game. Along with contributing offensively, Furuyama seems to really enjoy playing with the Queens.

"Sein is doing extremely well and I'm proud of her for what she's doing," said Peyrow. "She's having a great time."

Madalyn Harpell picked up the Rattlers Player of the Game award.

On Sunday, September 25, the third place Red Deer Polytechnic Queens (3-1-0) will host the second seed Lethbridge College Kodiaks (3-1-1) at noon in a battle for second spot in the south. The Kodiaks have also played one more game than the Queens.

"Lethbridge is one team that we really have to beat. We have to come out strong like we did against SAIT. If we keep that momentum throughout the game, we will do just fine," said Peyrow. "We need to keep that momentum and drive forward."