Nalani Gabbert’s golden goal in double overtime lifted the Oak Harbor High School soccer team to a 1-0 win over visiting Stanwood Tuesday, Oct 1. It also lifted a monkey off the Wildcats’ back.

Three years and 40 matches ago, Oak Harbor defeated Lynnwood 3-0. That was the last time the Wildcat girls won a Western Conference match. Oak Harbor had three ties but no wins in 2010.

To get the win, the Wildcats had to battle beyond regulation. With two minutes left in the second of two five-minute sudden-death periods, Lauryn Plush sent a cross on a corner kick that Gabbert drilled home for the winner.

Coach Mike Lonborg said, “The team played better tonight and showed some passion. They played more aggressive than they have in the last few games.”

He added, “The defensive line played well and worked well with the keeper. Our overall mental makeup was much improved over the last few games with fewer and less costly mistakes.”

Makenzie Perry recorded “three or four nice saves,” Lonborg said, in posting the shutout.

The level of competition picks up, Lonborg said, as the Wildcats (1-3, 3-3-1) begin a five-match stretch against the tough Wesco South.

First up is Shorecrest (3-1, 5-1-1), which visits Wildcat Memorial Stadium at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3.