By Larry Moko
Air-tight defence has propelled the Bishop Tonnos Titans to a berth in the 2026 senior girls' high school soccer final.
The undefeated Titans haven't allowed a goal in their seven regular-season and playoff starts thus far this season.
The Ancaster school's latest triumph was 2-0 in semifinal action Thursday over the visiting Bishop Ryan Celtics. The other semi saw the second-place St. John Henry Newman Cardinals edge the St. Mary Crusaders, 1-0, on an overtime goal by Maya Ragona.
The Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic final on May 21 will be a rematch between defending-champion Tonnos and Newman.
Leila Soccio and Ilaria Mele handled the scoring for Tonnos and Olivia de Caria was in net for the shutout against fourth-place BR (2-3-1).
"Bishop Ryan played well and didn't let up all game," Tonnos coach Christina Barbati said. "It was a tough match.
"We have two very capable Grade 10 goalkeepers (de Caria and Clare Morrallee). They split the games evenly."
De Caria also plays quarterback for the school's championship girls' flag football team.
According to Barbati, the Titans move the ball effectively on the pitch and seem to have chemistry playing together.
"Our success is from the work ethic of the girls," she said. "They work hard every game."
Tonnos topped Newman, 1-0, earlier this season and by the same score in last year's title game.
"Newman is very skilled," Barbati added. "They seize a lot of opportunities. They don't stop coming.They are never on their back foot."
Recent quarter-final playoff results saw Newman down Cathedral, 5-2, St. Mary top St. Jean de Brébeuf, 5-2 and Bishop Ryan blank St. Thomas More, 6-0.
Photos by R.F. (Bob) Butrym, RFB Sport Photography
More photos on HWCDSB Athletic Facebook page
