Outlaws specialize in shutouts

Josie Patton and her defense continued their dominance in league play as they logged two more shutouts and remain undefeated in league. At home on Tuesday, September 13, the Outlaws shut out La Pine 3-0 and a day later traveled to Elmira and shut out the Falcons 8-0.

In Tuesday’s game against La Pine, the Lady Outlaws came out physical and ready to play. Sisters established dominance from the get-go with their passing and determined play.

Sisters scored their first goal 15 minutes into the contest. Zoee Bafford beat her opponent on the outside and got a shot off, but La Pine’s goalie got the save. Tatem Cramer was in the right spot, gathered the ball, and tucked in the Outlaws’ first goal.

Just a short time later, Izzy Schiller beat her opponent and crossed the ball in front of the net. Lily Sundstrom received the ball, and was very generous with a pass to Juhree Kizziar, who finished with a solid shot into the net.

Coach Brian Holden said, “The passing sequence was the prettiest goal of the night.”

Two minutes later, the Outlaws got their third goal. Shae Wyland distributed the ball from the back up to Sundstrom, who beat her opponent, cut to the middle, and made a beautiful goal from 20 yards out that went up and over the keeper’s hands. At the half Sisters held a 3-0 lead.

In the second half the Outlaws continued to attack, distributed the ball well, and had numerous opportunities, but just couldn’t get it in the box.

La Pine’s goalie had an outstanding game and finished the night with at least 30 saves. Outlaws goalie Josie Patton didn’t even have one opportunity to record a save.

Holden said, “Again I have to praise our defense and Josie for another shutout. We are the only team in the league who hasn’t been scored on.”

A day later the Outlaws trounced the Lady Falcons. Marley Holden and Tatem Cramer led the team with two goals each, and Lily Sundstrom, Juhree Kizziar, Izzy Schiller, and Zoee Bafford each scored one. Holden and Kizziar both logged an assist.

Sisters put pressure on the young Falcon squad from the beginning, moved the ball great, finished better in front of the goal, and prevented the Falcons from any scoring opportunities.

“This year we have so many scoring weapons compared to last year when we just had one or two,” said Holden. “This will give our opponents difficulty in determining where the ball is going to come from.”

Aside from the victory, the big story of the game was the Outlaws’ sportsmanship.

Sisters has developed a special connection with the Elmira girls and it was evident last year when they played Elmira in a play-in game. After the Outlaws’ big win the Elmira goalie ran off the field in tears, but the Outlaws ran after her, told her she’d done a great job, and lifted her spirits. When the Outlaws went on to play Marist further into playoffs, the Elmira team showed up and supported them.

Even though the game this year was a blowout, and the Outlaws could have just celebrated their win, they approached the Falcons and their goalie and told them they’d played a great game.

After the Outlaws had gathered up all their gear, they headed to the bus to eat dinner one of the moms had prepared. As they began to enjoy their meal, several Elmira players walked by. Instead of a casual hello, the Lady Outlaws invited them to eat with them, and afterward players huddled up and took pictures together.

Holden said, “The Elmira girls said, ‘We love you, Sisters. You guys have the best sportsmanship in the league, and we’re rooting for you this year!’”

Holden added, “Our girls are warriors on the field and they display sportsmanship with class when they walk off the field. From a coach’s perspective, to see your kids grow into these kinds of athletes is almost tear-jerking.”

Sisters was to play at Siuslaw on Monday, September 19 and at home against Santiam Christian on Wednesday.