Lady Outlaws split games on pitch

The Lady Outlaws started their week with a 6-0 shutout at home over Santiam Christian on Wednesday, October 23, but suffered a 3-0 defeat at Central Linn two days later.

The Outlaws didn't waste any time getting on the scoreboard in Wednesday's match-up against the Eagles. Ella Davis punched the ball in just 30 seconds into the contest, with a shot at the top of the 18 to start the scoring spree.

Photo by Matt Hilgers

The Lady Outlaws soccer team will wrap up league play this week.

In the 11th minute Davis scored again. Davis received the ball up top and found Devon Stevens who was running up the sideline for a quick give-and-go. Davis got the ball back and booted it to the far right corner of the goal from just outside the box.

Davis continued to attack and scored a hat trick 18 minutes later. Zoee Bafford played the ball from the back up to Maddie Kirkpatrick in the forward position, and Kirkpatrick quickly passed it to Davis, who kicked it under the diving Eagles' keeper. At the half the Outlaws were on top 3-0.

Midway through the second half, Davis tallied her fourth goal. Tallis Grummer attempted to take a shot from between the half and the 18 which hit the post and bounced back into play. Davis followed the shot and launched it into the upper left corner for the score.

Davis continued to be a scoring machine. In the 70th minute Shae Wyland took a free kick for the Outlaws from the half and found Davis at the 18. Davis took a touch, turned, and when she shot she took the keeper by surprise and off her line, and sent the ball into the far left corner for her fifth goal of the contest.

The final score came with 10 seconds left on the clock. Grummer received a ball from Ella Eby slightly in front of the half and took the far shot. The ball sailed past the keeper into the upper left corner for Sisters' final goal of the game. The whistle blew and the Outlaws recorded the shut out.

Coach Makena Zorza said, "Ella did a great job of remaining composed and continuing to get shots off. All of the girls worked well together finding short simple passes to create these opportunities up top."

Zorza added, "We tried out a new formation which allowed us to create more space and opportunities for ourselves in the midfield. This is something we have been working up to all season and things finally came together. The seniors enjoyed playing new positions in the last 15 minutes of the game and everyone just had fun with it."

After the game the Outlaws honored their five seniors, Ella Davis, Ella Eby, Shae Wyland, Emma Symonds, and Tallis Grummer, who Zorza stated have made a lasting impact on both her and their teammates.

"They've all been a huge part of the team and will be missed dearly by all," said Zorza.

Zorza made special note of each one.

Of Davis Zorza said, "Ella has been a key piece to our offense and is never afraid to take on any defender standing in her way. Her hard work can be seen on and off the field and she strives for excellence in everything she does. She pushes everyone around her to try their best with her passion and competitive spirit.

"Ella (Eby) was one of our captains and is a great leader in every way," said Zorza. "Her positive attitude and endless jokes create a welcoming environment for anyone she meets. She stepped up as a center back and is never afraid to ask questions and make changes to better herself and the rest of the team.

"Shae is another one of our captains," said Zorza. "Her ability to lead her team and dominate the field is effortless. She is not only an amazing athlete but an amazing friend and supporter to those around her. Her positivity and welcoming nature is a calming presence for this team, even in moments of chaos.

"Emma has given this team dedication and unwavering support," said Zorza."Even when ankle sprains kept her from playing, she still showed up to every practice and game to cheer on her teammates. Emma's kind heart and positivity shine through her bubbly personality and allow others to feel at ease in her presence.

"Tallis rounded out our captain trio this year," said Zorza. "Her dedication and continued strive for excellence can be seen through her leadership skills and have allowed her to push herself and her teammates to be their best in practices and games. Tallis' extroverted personality and ability to lead team discussions creates a space that welcomes improvement."

On Friday the tides turned, and the Outlaws suffered a shutout at Central Linn.

Central Linn (CL) scored all of their goals within the first 25 minutes of the contest. The Outlaws struggled to adapt to their new formation and the CL field made it difficult for the Outlaws to get good first touches.

Sisters was able to find their rhythm and did become more comfortable, but were unable to find the back of the net, and recorded the loss.

Sisters was to wrap up league play at Elmira on Monday, October 28, in a game that had to be rescheduled from earlier in the season. A win against Elmira would solidify a spot in the playoffs for the Outlaws.