Talk about getting of on the right foot. Wildcats star forward Katy Nydam struck early, scoring a goal in the first thirty seconds of Oak Harbor’s 4-0 victory over Kamiak in the first round of the District-1 girls soccer playoffs Tuesday night.
Nydam took a feed from sophomore Gretyl Pruss on the left wing and was able to slide the ball past Knights goalkeeper Marie Kresbach to the far side.
Wildcats coach Gretchen Talmadge was happy to see her team set the tone of the match early.
“The goal at the beginning of the game was wonderful because we were able to set the pace,” she said. “It didn’t give (Kamiak) the opportunity to get set and it just killed the momentum of their team.”
The Wildcats continued the pressure as most of the first half was played on Kamiak’s side of the field. Despite several good chances the Knights were able to hold the Cats to a 1-0 halftime lead.
Shortly into the second half the floodgates opened, as Oak Harbor tallied three goals in a matter of seven minutes.
Sophomore Jennifer White scored eight minutes into the half on a nifty pass from Nydam. Five minutes later, White struck again when her crossing pass slipped by the Knight’s keeper and rolled on the goal line. The score wasn’t awarded at first but on the next stop in play the officials conferred and the goal went on the board. Senior Kara Bloch finished the scoring two minutes later, chipping one in from the box after an assist from White.
“Jen White had an outstanding game and Hazel Sapida was a stopper on defense,” said Talmadge after the contest. “Katy Nydam is a workhorse, she just doesn’t stop. She has speed and skill and she’s a great leader who sets the pace.”
Cats goalkeeper Devon Shulock had a relatively uneventful evening, not touching the ball until shortly before the end of the first half. Things picked up a bit in the second, but not until the game was well in hand.
“It’s a tough job for a goalie when they aren’t seeing the ball much,” said Talmadge. “They have to be ready because anything could happen.”
Oak Harbor improved to 9-5-2 in league and 10-5-2 overall with the win. Kamiak finished its season 4-5 in league and 8-6-2 overall. With the victory, the Wildcats earned the shot to face Shorecrest in another loser out contest.
Talmadge was quick to praise the large contingent of Wildcat supporters who braved the wind and cold of an evening match.
“For being a 7 p.m. game on a Tuesday we had a great crowd turnout.”
By the numbers
Oct. 30, 2001
Oak Harbor 4, Kamiak 0
At Oak Harbor H.S.
Scoring:
1st half:
OH-Nydam 1 (Pruss assist)
2nd half:
OH-White 1 (Nydam assist)
OH-White 2
OH-Bloch 1 (White assist)
Goalkeepers: OH-Shulock, K-Kresbach
