Wolves cannot translate opportunities into goals | Girls soccer

OLYMPIA — South Kitsap’s girls’ soccer program never has won a state championship.

The Wolves have not even advanced beyond the quarterfinals.

But judging by Olympia’s reaction to its 1-0 win Tuesday night at Ingersoll Stadium, it felt like the Bears defeated a perennial state power.

“They are cheering like they beat the state champion,” South coach Julie Cain said. “That is because we dominated them.”

The only place where that was not reflected was the most important one — the scoreboard. The Wolves, who outshot the Bears 18-5, had plenty of opportunities but never could put the ball past senior goalkeeper Olivia Brock.

“She was great,” Cain said. “I would give her Player of the Game for them.”

Sophomore midfielder Hailey Parker twice challenged Brock in the 26th and 27th minutes. Brock made a diving stop to her right on the latter attempt.

The Bears nearly broke the scoreless match in the final minute of the first half when sophomore Sarah Snodgress had an opportunity near the front of the goal. But her shot was saved by sophomore goalkeeper Elissa Randle.

Olympia (3-0 overall, 2-0 league) would not miss on its next opportunity. In the 42nd, sophomore midfielder Brooklyn Hooper’s shot found the top left-hand corner of the net.

“I think we just momentarily did not get back on defense,” Cain said.

That was one of South’s few breakdowns on that side. The Wolves (2-1, 1-1) only had three players — seniors Delaney Digiovanni and Christa Lane and sophomore Adri Jackson — at defender for most of the second half as they moved another up in an effort to score. Cain said she was impressed with how the trio responded.

The Wolves continued to apply pressure against Brock in the second half. Perhaps the best opportunity was in the 50th on a shot toward the left side of the goal by sophomore forward Rachael Prince, but Brock made a diving save.

“It just didn’t fall,” Cain said. “That’s the story for us.”

At Olympia 1, South Kitsap 0First half-None.Second half-1, Olympia, Brooklyn Hooper, 42nd minute.

Sept. 13At South Kitsap 2, Stadium 0First half-1, South Kitsap, Brita Oleson (Rachael Prince, Hailey Parker), 1st minute; 2, South Kitsap, Parker (Miranda Caballero), 2nd.

 

Contact Port Orchard Independent Staff Writer Chris Chancellor at cchancellor@portorchardindependent.com or (360) 876-4414.

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