Lady Outlaws notch key win

The Lady Outlaws soccer team handed Cottage Grove their first loss of the season, and in the process improved their overall record to a perfect 5-0 on the season.

Four of Sisters' wins have been shutouts, and Coach Nik Goertzen gives full credit to his excellent defense: Riley Barrett, Breezy Tewalt, Michelle Young, Peggy Barrett, Marissa Haynes, Zoe McAllister, Hannah Saracino and keeper Sara Small.

"Defense wins championships, period," said Goertzen. "The Outlaws defense has only given up one goal all year. They are one of the best, if not the best in the state. They work extremely hard to 'protect the nest' and sacrifice themselves unselfishly time and time

again."

Sisters currently leads the league in scoring with 25 goals and is in first place in state at the 4A level.

The Lady Outlaws' 1-0 win against Cottage Grove on Thursday, September 23, was Sisters' first win against the Lions in four years.

Sisters had a spectacular performance. In the 64th minute, the Outlaws scored on a beautiful cross from Marin Allen to Jodie Reoch. Allen separated herself from three defenders and passed the ball over the keeper's head. Reoch jumped to head it in for the goal.

"Our fitness was by far better and that was evident in the second half," said Goertzen. "We got the biggest goal of our life and it changed everything. They were running out of gas and we were full steam ahead."

The score of 1-0 held until the whistle blew and brought an end to the game. The Outlaws' bench jumped up to join their team on the field in celebration.

"The girls jumped on each other and just dog piled and bawled their eyes out," stated Goertzen. "It was absolute mayhem, but very special."

Sara Small logged six saves in the game.

Two days earlier Sisters recorded their fourth shutout of the year, with a 7-0 win at home against Junction City (JC) - with six of their goals coming in the second half.

"It was a tale of two halves," said Goertzen. "JC put everybody in the middle of the field in the first half, and it was difficult for us to make through-passes and diagonal runs. We were frustrated and confused, but our adjustments at the half completely opened the game up. Our energy, focus and concentration was 100 percent better in the second half."

Sisters is 5-0 on the season and 2-0 in league and are in sole possession of first place. The Lady Outlaws were to host La Pine on Tuesday, September 28, and on Thursday, September 30, will be home in a matchup against the Huskies of Sweet

Home.