Short-handed because of illness and lack of practices, the Oak Harbor High School soccer team lost 4-3 at Stanwood in a non-league match Tuesday, March 12.

“Considering we were short-handed due to the 10-practice rule (the minimum number of practices a player must have before he is eligible) and illness, we played OK,” coach Jeff Laiblin said. “Mistakes were made in the defense which happens sometimes when you have to move players around and have no subs.

“One strong point of our night was our offensive improvement.”

That offense was led by freshman Jonathan Tang, who registered two goals and an assist. Senior Nathan Merrill tallied the other Wildcat goal, and senior Mason Rhodes added an assist.

Laiblin also liked the resolve of his club, adding, “What we showed tonight is that at full strength we are going to be a tough team to play.”

Oak Harbor (0-2) begins conference play against Mountlake Terrace (0-0-1) at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 15, at Edmonds Stadium.