Lady Outlaws advance to semi-finals

The girls soccer team kept the Henley Hornets at bay in a 1-0 shutout at home on Saturday, November 12 and will advance to the state semi-finals. Sisters was scheduled to play at Mazama against the defending state champions on Tuesday, November 15. A win would put them in the state championships on Saturday, November 19, at Liberty High School in Hillsboro against either Philomath or Gladstone.

The win over the very tough, physical Hornets marked the Outlaws' 12th consecutive win and improved their overall record to 14-1-1.

Rough, physical play dominated the game, but the Lady Outlaws stepped up and played with heart and determination. It was a back-and-forth game against two equally matched teams that left those in attendance on edge.

"I am extremely proud and encouraged with the girls' effort and intensity," said Coach Nik Goertzen. "They really came to play, and maintained their composure throughout the entire game."

Emily Corrigan scored the Outlaws' winning goal five minutes into the second half. Natalie Ambrose, on the left side, dribbled through four defenders and made an incredible cross over to the middle of the field. Corrigan was standing right in front of the keeper, and with her knee knocked the ball into the back of the net. Sisters' enthusiastic fans erupted with cheers from the sidelines.

"The keeper was late in responding to the ball on the cross from Natalie and didn't have a chance to save it," stated Goertzen. "It was a wonderful goal and gave us a big adrenaline rush."

The win redeemed the Outlaws' 3-2 loss to the Hornets earlier in the season.

Several Outlaws stepped up their game and were heroes in the big win. Goertzen noted the Outlaws got big contributions on defense from starting freshmen Molly Boyle, Cassandra Arruda and Trinity Chick. The trio controlled the middle and back line time and time again and didn't give the Hornets many opportunities to score.

Goertzen also praised offensive players Lauryn Chauncey and Emily Corrigan.

"Lauryn's energy was tremendous, and the fact that Emily scored the biggest goal of her life for the team makes her a hero for us today."

Keeper Sara Small had another phenomenal performance in the box for the Outlaws.

"Sara had so many unbelievable saves," said Goertzen. "One in particular was a footrace to the ball against one of the Henley forwards. Sara corralled the ball and then got kicked in the head. It was an incredible save."

Four days earlier the Outlaws crushed Sutherlin at home in a 9-0 shutout.

Freshman Trinity Chick scored her first goal of the season in the contest, followed by a goal from sister Shennen just minutes later.