Girls soccer team advances to second round of playoffs

The Lady Outlaws soccer squad notched a 1-0 victory over Junction City at home on Tuesday, October 28, to advance to the first round of the state playoffs.

Four days later Sisters traveled to Roseburg and earned a 5-2 win over Umpqua Valley Christian.

The Outlaws match up against LaSalle, the No. 1 team in the Capital Conference, in the second round of the state playoffs in Portland on Tuesday, November 4.

Sisters was host to Junction City in Tuesday's contest. A crowd of over 200 gathered on the beautiful 70-degree afternoon to cheer on the Lady Outlaws.

It was a very physical first half and both teams battled hard. Sisters took 11 shots on goal but weren't able to capitalize on them. JC had four shots on goal in the half.

"Junction City did some things in that first half that kept us off balance," said Coach Nik Goertzen. "They brought some kids out that we weren't prepared for. They brought up a forward from the JV team and we were unprepared for her speed. They also brought in a new goalie we'd never seen before. She was much bigger and stronger than their previous goalie and I don't know where she came from. She was not from their JV team or their previous varsity roster."

Goertzen noted the outstanding play of Cassie Hernandez in the first half.

"Cassie played exceptional soccer for us in the first half," said Goertzen. "Her defensive presence and aggressiveness to the ball was great. She really came through for the team."

Sisters entered the half tied with JC at 0-0.

Goertzen said the team felt good about the way they'd played in the first half but that it was unfortunate they didn't have anything to show for their effort. Goertzen made some adjustments at the half that he said completely changed the complexion of the game. Hattie Tehan was moved from stopper to center forward and Jenna Sneva was brought in on defense.

"Jenna's experience in the backfield coupled with having Hattie at forward gave the game a whole different feel," said Goertzen. "We kept the game on their end the entire second half, kept them on their heels and only allowed four shots on goal."

At the 76-minute mark Sisters put on a show that resulted in a goal.

Hattie Tehan took a pass from the left and as she moved to the right she did a 180 and kicked the ball back to the middle to Marin Allen. Allen also did a 180, kicked the ball with her left foot and sent it flying into the back of the net. The crowd erupted and jumped to their feet as the Outlaws went up 1-0 and held for the win.

Goertzen noted the incredible play by midfielder Mindy Marr in the second half.

"Mindy had a couple of incredible shots on goal but unfortunately they hit the crossbar and didn't go in," said Goertzen. "She kept getting smacked and knocked down continuously but she kept getting up. She could have easily given up but she played with tenacity and hung in there. She makes us a totally different team when we have her in the middle."

The Outlaws earned an easy 5-2 win over Umpqua Valley Christian (UVC) four days later, despite the poor weather conditions.

In Saturday's game against UVC, the Outlaws came out and scored early and often.

Goertzen was impressed with his standout freshman, Amity Calvin.

"What a surprise she was," said Goertzen. "She scored two goals for us in the first 14 minutes and that was a huge lift for us. Her energy and effort single-handedly put those goals in and I could see her smiling from ear to ear."

Sisters travel to Portland on Tuesday, November 4, and take on LaSalle, the No. 1 team in the Capital Conference, in the second round of the state playoffs.