Girls soccer squad splits games

The Outlaws fell by a score of 0-4 at home against 6A Summit on Tuesday, March 16, but came back strong two days later to post a 4-0 shutout at home against Stayton.

On Tuesday, the Outlaws played the very talented 6A Summit Storm. The Outlaws played with heart and intensity from the first whistle until the end of the game. They had opportunities, but were unable to convert.

“Summit brought a higher-paced game and their speed and experience challenged us,” said Coach Brian Holden. “I’m proud of the girls stepping on the field against this level of competition they’ve never had to face before. They played with class and sportsmanship.”

On Thursday, the Outlaws posted a shutout over the Eagles. Sisters scored three goals in the first half.

Sisters did a good job of advancing the ball down the field. Marley Holden had a header assist to Anya Shockley who scored inside the 18-yard box. Shockley made a nice pass to Hollie Lewis for Sisters’ second goal to put the Outlaws up 2-0. The final goal of the first half came when the ball was passed out of the back to freshman Katie Ryan. Ryan dribbled the ball and took on the outside back, cut to the front of the goal and launched the ball into the lower right corner of the net. At the half Sisters held a 3-0 advantage.

The second half was more evenly matched. Stayton was aggressive and possessed the ball more than they had in the first half, and Holden told The Nugget that it was a good test for the Outlaws defense.

No second-half goals were scored until the final 10 minutes of the game. Isabelle Schiller advanced the ball up the left side and tried to cross in front of the goal. A handball was awarded and Lewis took the penalty kick. Hollie converted and the 4-0 score held to the end of the contest.

“The girls established the tempo of the game in the first 10 minutes by being first to the ball and contesting every 50/50 opportunity, which in turn led them to control the pace the entire game.”

Holden made note of keeper Josie Patton and outside backs Maggie Lutz and Maddie Symonds.

“Josie had strong hands and confidence in communication which helped her Outlaws to a shutout in the rain against an always difficult Stayton team,” the coach said. “And Maggie and Maddie did a good job of distributing out of the back and containing their opponents.”

Sisters was to play at home against Philomath on Tuesday, March 23. They will travel to Sweet Home on Thursday, March 25.