The Kamloops Blaze under-16A girls soccer team won the provincial title on the weekend with a 1-0 win over Upper Vancouver Island.

The title tilt was played in Richmond and, with the victory, Kamloops advances to the national championship in Winnipeg in October.

The provincial championship capped an impressive run for the Blaze, as they entered the game having won the B.C. Interior championship and the prestigious Baker Blast Tournament in Bellingham, Wash.

In Saturday’s provincial championship game, Kamloops pressured the Nanaimo-based Upper Vancouver Island team from the opening whistle.

Marlie Rittinger scored the only goal needed, beating the opposing keeper on a penalty kick at the 25-minute mark.

Katie Sparrow was upended on a breakaway, leading to the penalty shot.

From there, Kamloops shut down the Upper Vancouver Island offence, not allowing a single shot on goaltender Taylor Shantz.

* Golden moment for Blaze u-18 girls

The Kamloops Blaze under-18B girls soccer squad also won a provincial title on the weekend.

The Blaze, the second-place district qualifiers who received a back-door entry into the Provincial Cup tournament when the top Interior qualifier pulled out at the last minute, defeated the Prince George Kodiaks 4-1 in the final, which was played in North Vancouver.

Two goals from Frankee Bencher and a pair from Kaitlin Olson did the job for the Blaze, who were up 2-0 before Prince George found the scoreboard.

Coach Dave Decker’s girls reached the finals by finishing first in their pool with two wins and a tie.

The Blaze defeated Campbell River Flash 3-1 on Thursday, North Coquitlam United Fusion 3-2 on Friday and tied West Van Fury 0-0 on Saturday en route to the title game.

* Silver success for under-15 soccer girls

The Kamloops Blaze under-15 girls soccer team won a silver medal in their provincial tourney battle.

The Blaze dropped a 2-1 decision to Ladner in the final game.

Kamloops qualified eight teams in this year’s provincial championships — two in the A Cup and six in the B Cup. Only teams that win the A Cup in the under-14, under-16 and under-18 age groups advance to national competition.

* Blaze boys bounce back for bronze win

The Kamloops Blaze under-15 boys soccer team captured the bronze medal at the provincial championship in Nelson.

Kamloops defeated Terrace 3-0 in the pivotal game behind two goals from Aaron Manson and a goal from Sean Wanless.

Keeper Jordan Sullivan secured the shutout in net as the Blaze preserved the win.

* Blaze under-17 girls

fourth in the province

The Kamloops Blaze under-17 girls soccer squad placed fourth at the provincials on the weekend, dropping a 3-0 decision to Comox in the battle for bronze.

Kamloops opened with a 4-0 win over Terrace, with Hannah Ambler scoring a hat trick and Alex Polson netting a goal.

Christine Hanson was in goal for the shutout.

The Blaze then lost 2-0 to North Shore before facing Comox. Devis Luison coached the club.