Outlaws wrap league play with win

The Lady Outlaws recorded a 3-4 loss at home to Stayton on Tuesday, October 16, in a tremendous battle against the No. 6-ranked Eagles. Two days later, Sisters defeated the Huskies 3-1 on the road at Sweet Home in their final league game of the season.

On Tuesday, the Outlaws honored their three seniors; Alexa Stewart, Sophia Bianchi and Sofia Affatati prior to their contest with the Eagles, and Coach Jaron Jacobsen praised and recognized each one.

"Alexa brought a lot of grit and heart as a senior captain to the team," said Jacobsen. "She's very vocal, is always a hardworker, and has been the backbone of the defense. Sophia Bianchi brought tough defense and was always a solid player. She was a leader this year as a captain, and was always supporting the team, putting together team lunches, and creating team bonding ideas. Her hard work allowed her to start every game as a senior this year."

"Sophia Affatati was also a captain this year, and brought heart and intensity to the games and to practice every day. She was the inspirational leader, and was always there to lift the team up with her positive attitude and hard work ethic."

Jacobsen told The Nugget that all three seniors will be missed next year and are wished the best in their future endeavors.

The game got underway and Stayton got on the scoreboard quick. They scored in the third minute, and added another goal at the 13-minute mark to go up 2-0.

The Outlaws fought back, and nine minutes later got a free kick. Gracen Sundstrom struck the ball with a perfect kick that found the back of the net and narrowed the Eagles lead to 2-1.

Jacobsen told The Nugget that the Outlaws started to play faster, and match the physicality of the Eagles.

For the next 10 minutes, it was an intense back-and-forth contest, and then in the 33rd minute the Outlaws got a corner kick. Sundstrom took the kick, and Hallie Schwartz struck a half-volley towards the goal that made its way past the keeper to even the score 2-2.

Stayton scored two goals within four minutes to take a 4-2 lead as teams headed into the half.

Past midway through the second half, the Outlaws were awarded another free kick from about 45 yards out. Sundstrom played a perfect kick, the keeper mishandled the ball off the bounce, and Schwartz was there to clean it up, stick it in the back of the net, and bring the Outlaws to within one, 3-4.

Sisters continued to apply pressure and create chances, and in the 77th minute drew another free kick at 25 yards out. Again, Sundstrom struck the perfect kick. The ball traveled up and over the wall and was heading into the upper-V far post and into the goal, when the keeper stretched out for a great save. The ball bounced around in front of the goal, and was finally cleared by Stayton.

Time on the clock ran out, and the Outlaws recorded the loss.

Schwartz scored two goals in the game and Sundstrom scored one goal and tallied two assists.

Jacobsen said, "The girls played with heart, and left everything on the field in their best game of the year by far. I'm extremely proud of their play and effort. They've come a long way this season, and continue to get better each day."

Two days later the Outlaws posted a win to wrap up league play. Sisters scored their first goal 14 minutes into the game. Hallie Schwartz played a diagonal ball into the box from the left side of the field, and Hollie Lewis managed to squeeze through two defenders to get to the ball first and send it past the keeper for a 1-0 Outlaw lead.

The Outlaws had several additional opportunities, but just couldn't find the back of the net. Teams entered the half with the Outlaws on top 1-0.

Sisters came out a bit flat at the start of the second half, and the Huskies took advantage and scored a goal in the 55th minute to even the score.

The Outlaws dug in, started to play with more intensity, and scored six minutes later. Sundstrom played the ball out wide to Lewis, who dribbled into the box, beat a defender on an incredible cutback move and played the ball to the top of the box to Anya Shockley. Anya struck a first-time shot to the far post and into the side of the net to reclaim the lead 2-1.

Nine minutes later, Sisters got the ball into the box on a long throw-in. The ball bounced around and hit a Sweet Home player in the hand, which resulted in a penalty shot for the Outlaws. Sundstrom powered a low shot past the keeper to extend the lead to 3-1, and the Outlaws held on for the win.

Lewis, Schockley, and Sundstrom scored a goal each for the Outlaws, and Schwartz and Lewis were each credited with an assist.

"I think overall we out-possessed Sweet Home and outplayed them," said Jacobsen. "It was a great way to end the season."