Girls soccer opens league with win

The Lady Outlaws defeated Newport 2-1 in their first home game of the season on Tuesday, September 10, and two days later finished deadlocked at 0-0 in their road game against Cascade.

Hallie Schwartz scored Sisters first goal at the 12-minute mark in their win over the Cubs on Tuesday. Hallie took a wide-open shot from 20 yards out that went over the keeper’s head for the score.

Approximately 20 minutes later, Newport scored on a miscue and evened the score. Teams entered the half tied 1-1.

In the second half, Sisters found themselves in front of the Cubs goal often, but just couldn’t get their shots into the net. With 10 minutes left on the clock, Hollie Lewis scored the go-ahead goal. The midfield played it wide to Hollie, who beat her defender and the goalie, and sent the ball into the lower right corner.

The Outlaws have been working on pressuring their opponents and a did a great of that against the Cubs.

“Our high pressure created more opportunity for us,” said Coach Brian Holden. “The girls were relentless and never gave up. They gave 100 percent the entire game, which in my opinion is why they won the game.”

Holden noted center midfielders Schwartz and Olivia Hougham for their work ethic, team leadership, and their tenacity to never give up.

Two days later, the Outlaws competed against the Cougars in a game that was evenly matched for the first 20 minutes. Sisters switched to a more defensive formation and held the momentum until halftime, but neither team was able to score.

Sisters dominated play in the final half, but just couldn’t find the back of the net. Lewis had at least five to six opportunities to score the winning goal, but was unable to finish.

“Hollie did a great job,” said Holden. “It’s easy to get down when the ball’s not going in, but she persevered and never gave up.”

Holden once again was pleased with center midfielders, Schwartz and Hougham, who worked hard in the middle and controlled the Outlaws pace of play.

Keeper Reese Harwell made three very crucial saves. She took hard shots and was able to punch them away. The Outlaws’ defense were organized and tackled hard, which kept the Cougars scoreless.

“Our team showed class as athletes and representing their school,” said Holden. “We’re going to keep building and getting better every practice and every game.”

Sisters is currently 1-0-1 in league and 2-1-1 overall. The Outlaws were scheduled to play at Woodburn on Tuesday, September 17. They will host Philomath on Thursday.