Soccer: Wildcats overwhelm Mariner 12-0

Check, check and check.

The Oak Harbor High School girls soccer team can scratch off several of their 2010 goals thanks to a resounding 12-0 win over host Mariner Tuesday, Sept. 7, in the season opener for both schools.

Wildcat coach Jeff Laiblin said, "We began the season with several goals. First, to improve every time we played. That happened last night." Check.

"Next, we had the goal to score." Check (and then some).

"Our next goal was to win." Check.

Another team goal is to qualify for district. Laiblin said, "We began the road to districts in incredible fashion."

The win was a remarkable turn around for the Wildcats who finished the 2009 season without a notching a win or scoring a goal.

In the seventh minute sophomore Jember Jansen open the scoring by drilling her first of three goals.

Seven other Wildcats scored. Senior Megan Dutton had two goals and two assists; senior Katie Duhrkopf scored two goals; freshman Annie Leete and seniors Jordan Boucher and Kaitlyn O'Neill each had a goal and an assist; and senior Brighton Pruss and sophomore McKenzie Schneider recorded a goal each.

Laiblin said, "Just as important as the goals scored were the four wonderful assists by senior Millie Goebel, two assists by freshman Chelsea Atkinson and the one assist of sophomore Sarah Young."

Goebel's four assists tied a school record first set by Sheena Darling in 1999.

The Oak Harbor defense, led by senior Clarissa Abadesco, allowed only one shot, which Atkinson saved. Boucher started the game in goal for Oak Harbor.

Laiblin said, "Last night's 12-0 victory was a statement that we are ready to take on the difficult challenges that are coming in the season ahead."

Oak Harbor hosts Shorecrest Thursday, Sept. 9, at 7:30 p.m.

Contact Whidbey News Times Sports editor Jim Waller at jwaller@whidbeynewsgroup.com or 360-675-6611 ext. 5060.

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