Sarah Robinson Gunn-San Jose -Soccer

There’s really nothing more nail biting than a championship boiling down to penalty kicks. Just ask Sarah Robinson, member of the Mountain View Los Altos SC Lightning U16 team. They won the FarWest Regionals on June 24 but not before they endured two overtimes and an epic penalty kick session in the sweltering Phoenix heat as they defeated Sereno of Arizona 1-0.

There’s really nothing more nail biting than a championship boiling down to penalty kicks. Just ask Sarah Robinson, member of the Mountain View Los Altos SC Lightning U16 team. They won the FarWest Regionals on June 24 but not before they endured two overtimes and an epic penalty kick session in the sweltering Phoenix heat as they defeated Sereno of Arizona 1-0.

SportStars Magazine: What was the mood like during the penalty kicks?

Sarah Robinson: It was pretty nerve-wracking because last year we were knocked out on penalty kicks. We were really nervous when it got to penalty kicks again.

SSM: You scored two goals in the quarterfinals. Is that one of the best games you’ve ever played?

SR: I’m not sure. I guess maybe it was. I’m not sure if it was the best game I ever played, maybe I took a couple more shots than normal and they went in. I just really wanted to move on.

SSM: Was weather a factor? 

SR: It was because during the game they would give us water breaks and that disrupted the flow.

SSM: Why can the Lightning win the national championship? 

SR: I think we play a really distinctive style of ball. Every single player on our team has the ability to make an impact. We won it our U14 year. … I think our experience can help us because we do know what to expect.

SARAH’S QUICK HIT

Favorite subject: Math

Favorite athlete: Messi

Favorite team: Barcelona and Manchester United

Honorable Mention

Stephen Domingo — The St. Ignatius-S.F. senior was named to the USA Basketball Men’s U17 team on June 20. He had 15 points and six rebounds in his USA Basketball debut, a 108-72 exhibition win over Latvia.

Alex Sborov – The Foothill senior placed second in the US Junior Amateur Qualifying shooting a 2-over 74 at Mira Vista CC on June 18. Her twin sister Katie is also qualified for the event. 

Jasmine Tosky – The recent Palo Alto grad reached the semifinals in the 100 meter butterfly at the Olympic Trials in Omaha, Neb., on June 25.