Gemini soccer girls sitting atop TVRA South East

Gemini midfielder Brooklyn Malott (left) moves the ball forward against Central Elgin’s Carly Holmes and Madison Knelsen. (Jeff Tribe Photo)

Jeff Tribe, Post Correspondent

Halfway through the Thames Valley Regional Athletic girls’ varsity soccer season, the Tillsonburg Gemini are playing with house money.

Following a 2024 campaign as much about enjoying the game and gaining experience, the Gemini find themselves atop 2025 Tier II standings with a 2-0-1 won/lost/tied record.

“I definitely see improvements since last year,” said defender Ava Deleye following a 7-0 shutout victory over St. Thomas Central Elgin Titans Thursday, April 17th at London’s City Wide #1 field. “And we’re doing better than last year already, so the season should be good.”

Kherington Spanjers fuelled Tillsonburg’s attack with four goals against the Titans, Sophia Monsere added two and Kaia Spanjers a single. Goaltender Elysse Davis picked up the shutout.

“We’re trying to get them open with balls they can run onto,” said Gemini midfielder Brooklynn Malott of her team’s offensive strategy. “They’ve got lots of speed and can get open.”

Monsere netted Tillsonburg’s goal in a regular season-opening 1-1 draw against Ingersoll DCI, backed up by a 5-1 win over Woodstock College Avenue Tuesday, April 22nd.

“I think we communicate well,” said Gemini defender Vivian Suderman of her squad’s strong start. “We’ve definitely upgraded since last year, for sure.

“Off to a really good start for sure,” she added later. “We have a good group so I’m excited.”

This year’s Gemini is a comparatively young team says Michelle Dench, who co-coaches with Alison Wallace. Along with their returning senior athletes, Tillsonburg has a large contingent of Grade 9 rookies, “who are very good.”

The Gemini are challenged by the lack of a high school-aged rep travel team in the community, players wishing to continue after ageing out of minor soccer choosing between a women’s team or travelling out of town. However, Dench is also pleased with the 2025 campaign’s opening ‘kickoff.’

“A great start, a great team, an amazing group of girls who get along well,” she summed up. “Nice to see them start the season so well.”

The Gemini were scheduled to be back on the pitch April 28th against Ingersoll and April 30th against Woodstock Huron Park, closing out a busy week of soccer with its hometown Gemini Cup, Friday, May 2nd at the Tillsonburg Soccer Park. A popular annual tradition for both girls’ and boys’ teams originally established by Dave Sandor, the 16-team draw typically fills up within a day says Dench, and is a much-anticipated seasonal highlight.

“It’s always a great day of soccer,” she concluded.