Lady Outlaws have stellar defense

The Lady Outlaws soccer squad logged an 8-0 shutout at home against Santiam Christian on Tuesday, October 10, and two days later they beat Elmira at home 8-1. Their defense has been stellar; they are the No. 1 defense in the state with only four goals scored against them.

In Tuesday’s action the rainy conditions didn’t hinder or keep the Outlaws from playing their game. Katie Ryan opened the Outlaws’ scoring spree just 45 seconds into the contest. The midfield won the ball and found Juhree Kizziar, who quickly turned and slotted the ball to Ryan for the finish.

“It’s pretty impressive that in 45 seconds we were able to win the ball, control the ball, and attack,” said Coach Brian Holden. “That’s what these girls are capable of.”

Ryan had two other goals to finish the game with a hat trick. Marley Holden recorded a brace (two goals) and Ella Davis, Maggie Lutz, and Devon Stevens added one goal each.

The goal from Stevens was her first varsity goal, which happened on a corner kick where she finished far post.

“The girls did a good job of staying organized,” said Holden. “At times we lost our shape, but it’s good to see the girls be able to self-correct quickly before any goals were given up. It shows a mature, intelligent team.”

On Thursday Tallis Grummer got the Outlaws on the scoreboard in the third minute of play off an assist from Zoee Bafford. In the 20th minute, Grummer dished the ball off to Holden for another goal.

The Outlaws continued to extend their lead, and easily won the contest. Ryan scored three goals to finish with a hat trick, Davis scored two goals, and Rylie Bick recorded one.

Holden said, “Sisters has a good rapport with Elmira, and have had good connections with their team over the last few years.”

Saturday the Outlaws faced Creswell (No. 8 in state) in a make-up game that had to be rescheduled from earlier in the season. 

Sisters’ first goal came 20 minutes into the game when Holden assisted Davis for a beautiful finish into the upper right corner.

Holden stated that the goal gave the girls breathing room and they were able to relax and started to get into their game. Creswell was both persistent and physical and played well against the Outlaws’ squad, and even had a couple of opportunities on goal. On one of those plays, keeper Ava Reihle came up with a big sliding save.

In the second half, in the 53rd minute, Davis dropped the ball to Holden, who finished a beautiful shot from 30 yards out that just kissed the bottom of the crossbar.

Holden said, “The girls played a good game, and it’s nice to see how hard they work for each other. Not everyone will always be playing their best game, but I love how quickly they were able to adapt.

“We can’t let our foot off the gas,” added Holden. “We need to handle the rest of our games so we have a good seed as we head into playoffs.”

The Outlaws will wrap up league play with a game at La Pine on Tuesday, October 17, and two days later they will celebrate their seniors at home prior to their contest against No. 11 ranked Central Linn.