A lone ball hit the back netting of Oak Harbor’s goal Wednesday night and rocked their chances of heading to the state tournament this year. The Wildcats lost to Edmonds-Woodway 0-1, in round two of district play, and just short of the state tournament.
The game was the second in a three-game district playoff gauntlet, with all games single elimination to stay alive.
Oak Harbor sped through round one of districts Tuesday night by tallying a 2-0 win over Mount Lake Terrace.
Jenny White was the first Wildcat to net a goal, off a Gretyl Pruss assist, with 38 minutes on the first half clock.
In the first half alone, the Wildcats slammed nine shots at the Mount Lake Terrace goal, ensuring their keeper that it wasn’t to be a snoozer of a game.
The island chill must have been too much for the visitors from Mountlake Terrace, as they retreated down by one to the Memorial Stadium locker rooms during halftime.
The Cats walking onto the field for the second half determined to have intensity, and cooled any warmth the visiting team had the chance to acquire. Oak Harbor was able to keep the ball in the visitors’ half much of the first ten of the closing half.
Junior Tina Nicolas, who this season has been a player to notice and one WesCo North goalkeepers won’t soon forget, had a shot on goal at minute 23 of the second half.
Wildcat goalkeeper for the evening, Sheena Paddock, had to push the Oak Harbor defense up and well out of the 18-yard box to keep Mount Lake Terrace from gaining any ground.
Midfielder Stephanie Black blasted a shot on goal at the 20 minute mark. And Mount Lake Terrace started getting a little frustrated, with their No. 8, Megan Mendoza, receiving a yellow card and some cool down time on the bench at 16:30.
Oak Harbor kicked 10 shots on the Mount Lake Terrace goal in the second half, with the final, win sealing shot coming unassisted by Gretyl Pruss, with only four minutes left.
Sheena Paddock did a water-tight job in the Tuesday evening drizzle, keeping on her toes to round up strays in the 18-yard box.
Shortly after Pruss’ goal, Mount Lake Terrace attempted to retaliate with a high, almost upper V shot at Paddock, but the sophomore keep had her high ball, crossbar skills honed, knocking it down and smothering their chances.
Paddock gave herself a sweet 16 birthday shut-out in the 2-0 win.
The Wildcats’ win Tuesday brought them face-to-face with Edmonds-Woodway on Wednesday. Oak Harbor and Edmonds-Woodway knocked heads most of the game, neither allowing the other much room in front of their respective goals.
Oak Harbor turned into high gear the final 20 of the game, making two breakaways at the Edmonds-Woodway goal. Senior Megan Rauckhorst went one-on-one with their keeper, only to have her shot deflected. With 14 on the clock Jenny White ran through the Edmonds-Woodway defense, but goalkeeper Lauren Natterstad kept her composure and made the save.
Devon Schulock guarded the Wildcat goal first half, and second half keeper Paddock was able to hold the line most of the second half. Edmonds-Woodway’s lone goal came from Emma Brewster from five yards out.
Oak Harbor closes the season 9-5-3 overall.
