Lady Outlaws crush Huskies

The girls soccer team played an outstanding game in their 7-0 league-opening win at home on Friday, September 19.

Liz Stewart got the Outlaws started with a goal off a free-kick just outside the 18-yard box.

Olivia Stewart followed with Sisters' next goal, when she took a cross from Dani Rudinsky from the outside. With one touch, she booted the ball into the goal from just inside the 18-yard box.

Sisters notched one additional goal to take a 3-0 lead at the half. Chaundra Craig beat two players down the outside, and lofted a ball outside the 18-yard box off an assist from Cassandra Arruda.

The Outlaws tacked on four additional goals in the second half to secure the shutout.

Michaela Miller, in her first game back following an injury, dribbled the ball up the center and scored from 15 yards. Rudinsky took a well-placed ball from Stewart, and with perfection placed the ball past the keeper. Taylor Schneider and Molly Boyle both scored off breakaways; Schneider off an Arruda assist, and Boyle with an assist from Stewart.

Seven different players scored Sisters' seven goals, and multiple players recorded assists. The Outlaws finished with 21 shots on goal, compared to Sweet Home's seven.

The Huskies did develop a few good attacks, but Sisters' defense played a spectacular game and shut them down.

Rudinsky couldn't say enough about her teammates, their camaraderie, and how well they play together.

"I thought we played terrific today," said Rudinsky. "We do have a fair amount of new players on our team, and we all had to learn how to play together. You reach a certain point when you can anticipate plays before your team-member makes them, and I can tell we are looking great to reach that point of being in sync quickly.

"Our tough pre-season schedule really served us well and whipped us into shape. We figured out a lineup that works well for us, which includes very experienced players in the center, who know where and when to distribute balls; and aggressive players up top, which let us put in those seven goals we scored today. I am incredibly proud of my team already, and think our potential is great. My favorite part is how we play for each other, which you can see by how much we celebrate each others' goals, and even more so by how we encourage each other when we make mistakes. I'm grateful for these girls and am stoked for the months ahead with them."

Coach Audrey Tehan told The Nugget that the Outlaws are developing into a dynamic team, with a strong attacking force, which can dominate from any angle on the field.

"We are playing as a unit," said Tehan. "Every game, the girls are developing a better rhythm with each other. Our goal is to dominate the league games, and come out on top of league to propel into playoffs. We all realize that we need to take every game very seriously, and keep strong focus through league play."

The Outlaws were to play at Elmira on Tuesday, September 23. Sisters will play at home against Junction City on Thursday, September 25.