Strong defense leads to Wildcat win / Soccer

By Jim Waller • October 18, 2019 1:30 am
Oak Harbor’s Peyton Rhyne (14) splits Everett defenders Caroline Santra (2) and Sammy Strange (3). Rhyne tallied two goals for the Wildcats in the 3-0 win.(Photo by John Fisken)
Oak Harbor’s Peyton Rhyne (14) splits Everett defenders Caroline Santra (2) and Sammy Strange (3). Rhyne tallied two goals for the Wildcats in the 3-0 win. (Photo by John Fisken)

Behind a strong defensive effort, the Oak Harbor High School soccer team blanked Everett 3-0 Thursday, Oct. 17, at Wildcat Memorial Stadium.

“The entire defense played well, led by Chloe Wallace and Gracie Hiteshew,” Oak Harbor coach Mike Lonborg said. “We had multiple players play some of their best games tonight.”

“Team effort,” he added. “Everyone worked hard.”

Goalkeeper Tiana Jackson posted the shutout.

The Wildcats weren’t bad on offense either. They jumped to a 2-0 first half lead behind a free-kick goal by Natalie Plush and then her assist of a Peyton Rhyne goal.

Rhyne scored again after the break off an assist from Hiteshew.

Oak Harbor is currently 11th in the RPI standings; the top 10 advance to the district tournament.

The Wildcats (4-8, 5-9) may need an upset in one of its final two regular season matches next week to qualify for the postseason. Oak Harbor plays at Snohomish (9-1-1, 10-1-2) at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22, and then hosts Arlington (7-4, 8-5) at 7 p.m. Thursday.

Natalie Plush takes possession for Oak Harbor. Plush had a goal and assist in the Wildcats’ win. (Photo by John Fisken)

Natalie Plush takes possession for Oak Harbor. Plush had a goal and assist in the Wildcats’ win. (Photo by John Fisken)