Lady Outlaws fall in playoff shootout

It couldn't have been closer. The Lady Outlaws soccer team lost 1-0 to Mazama in the state championships, held at Liberty High School in Hillsboro on Saturday, November 20. It was a heartbreaking loss for the Outlaws, who came into the game undefeated at 17-0.

Although it may have been small consolation in the moment, the girls made school history in being the first girls soccer team ever to make it to the big game.

Two rooter buses with more than 100 students, along with parents, friends, and community members cheered on the Outlaws from the time they were introduced throughout the entire contest.

"We couldn't have asked for more from our fans," said junior forward Jodie Reoch. "When our team was introduced our fans gave us the loudest cheer we've ever heard, and it really pumped us up."

The first half of the contest the Lady Outlaws had some trouble settling down and getting into their rhythm; they played mostly defense the first 40 minutes of play.

Sisters was a different team the second half. The Outlaws stepped up their play, everything started to click and the Outlaws outshot Mazama 8-1. Reoch and Natalie Ambrose cut through the Mazama defense and were able to get several opportunities at the goal, but just couldn't get one into the back of the net.

"I think we caught them off guard in the second half and they were really scrambling," said Reoch.

At the end of regulation the score was tied 0-0. Two 10-minute overtime periods followed.

Fatigue started to set in and resulted in chippy, physical play. Neither team was able to score and the game went to a penalty shootout.

Michele Young put in Sisters' first shot, but the Vikings answered back to tie it up 1-1. After four players from each team had taken a shot, Mazama was up 2-1. Freshman Natalie Ambrose, with the poise of a veteran player, stepped up to the mark and punched it in to make the score even at 2-2. Mazama's final player was able to get one by Sara Small and the Vikings earned the win, and the state title.

Zoe McAllister did an outstanding job marking up on Kylie Durant, Mazama's best player and biggest threat. Breezy Tewalt also had an extraordinary performance and did a great job of marking up against one of Mazama's best players.

Senior Marin Allen said, "We worked so hard in practice to get to the championship game. It was so close and we ended up losing in a PK shootout. I think our nerves got the best of us. We were definitely the underdogs all season, but we proved everyone wrong. We did really well."

Junior Jodie Reoch commented on the Outlaws' season:

"We made it all the way to the state championship, and we wanted it so bad," said Reoch. "But now we know what to expect, and next year we'll be more prepared. We worked so hard and it was an exciting great season that we all got to experience together. Even though we didn't win, I'd do it again. It still doesn't feel real. It seems like we should go to soccer practice tomorrow."

Four days earlier the Outlaws beat Scappoose 2-1 in the semi-finals. At the half Scappoose held a 1-0 lead over Sisters. In the second half Jodie Reoch was fouled in the box. Michelle Young took the PK and made the shot to tie the game 1-1. Later, Marin Allen was fouled in the box. Again, Young took the PK and made a beautiful shot along the ground right into the corner of the net. The score held until the whistle blew and Sisters recorded the win.