Lady Outlaws fall in quarterfinals

The Lady Outlaws fell in a heart-breaking loss to the Lady Warriors at Amity High School in the state quarterfinals on Saturday, November 5.

Sisters battled hard the entire contest and with 15 minutes left in the game thought they’d scored the go-ahead goal. Shae Wyland took a free kick and booted a laser shot that deflected off the bar and Ella Davis was there to head it in for the score.

Coach Brian Holden said, “An official got involved, and made an offsides call, which was clearly incorrect, and the goal didn’t count.”

At the end of regulation play the score was 0-0. After two 10-minute overtime periods, the score remained deadlocked and the game went to penalty kicks.

Amity made all of their penalty kicks, while Sisters only got scores from Shae Wyland and Izzy Schiller, which gave Amity the win.

“I’m proud of the girls who stepped into a position to take a shot,” said Holden, “It’s not easy. It’s stressful. A lot of the kids today will not step up to take that shot because of the fear of failure. Not the Outlaws! This team will grow from its experiences and better themselves. That’s what makes them such a great team.”

“I love this team!”, added Holden. “I’m going to miss our everyday training, laughter, and closeness. This is the year I have seen my seniors all the way through their high school career. The connections we have made are unforgettable. We have created memories they will remember for the rest of their life. I am so fortunate to be a part of that.”

Holden told The Nugget that goal-keeper Josie Patton had the best game of her career, and made key saves when needed.

“Josie sacrificed her body on the most important save of the game, coming out making her body big and deflecting it out,” said Holden. She is a beast! During that save she hurt her knee, and it looked serious.”

“We were all worried,” added Holden. “She literally popped her knee into place on the field in front of the other team. She is an absolute warrior! She’s intimidating, competitive, and strong both mentally and physically.”

Patton had to temporarily step out of the game, and sophomore Ava Reilhe stepped in.

Holden said, “Ava was a bit nervous, but her defense and midfield picked her up. She composed herself and did great!”

Holden also noted his stellar defense, in particular the Wyland sisters, Shae and Sage, who stopped shots, made amazing tackles, and chased Amity’s attackers down.

Three days earlier the Lady Outlaws were in a must-win battle at home against Lakeview. The Lady Honkers worked hard at the start of the contest to compete with the Outlaws’ midfield, and did a good job of pressuring the Outlaws early.

However, the entire second half they played in front of the Honkers’ goal. Sister’s midfield was more fit and outlasted the Honkers, and their passing game started to show.

Sisters scored their first goal in the 52nd minute. Marley Holden received the ball and played it off to Ella Davis, who shot the ball into the lower left from inside the 18.

“That first goal gave us relief,” said Holden. “And it was ‘here we go.”

A second goal came in the 67th minute when Juhree Kizziar won the ball in the middle of the field. Kizziar laid the ball off to Izzy Schiller, who made a beautiful 24-yard shot over the keeper just under the bar.

“That goal gave us confidence,” said Holden. “It was our game and we were in control, and at that point we tried to pressure even harder.”

Just one minute later Sisters scored their third goal of the game. Tatem Cramer laid the ball off to Becca Clausen, and Clausen scored on a Honker’s error. The ball went through the goalie’s hands and legs and slowly trickled across the goal line.

Sisters final goal came with five minutes left on the clock. Cramer passed the ball off to Holden, who pushed the ball into space, and then took a 20-yard leftie shot that went over the keeper’s hands. The Outlaws held on and recorded the shut-out.

The Lady Outlaws again showed class as they immediately congratulated Lakeview on a game well played. Sisters then huddled up in the goal for a picture and celebrated. The shut-out tied the school record at 12 shut-outs in a season.

Coach Holden noted Cramer for her hard work up top and her generous play, and added, “I’m very proud of the team. They faced a difficult game and they adapted. That shows a lot of growth as a team. They continue to be positive teammates to each other.