The Oak Harbor High School soccer team got Marysville-Pilchuck’s attention before bowing to the visiting Tomahawks 3-0 Tuesday, April 16.

The match featured teams at the opposite ends of the Western Conference standings. M-P sits on top with an 8-1-1 record (10-1-1 overall), while the Wildcats (0-11, 0-13) are at the bottom.

The Tomahawks, however, received a valiant effort from Oak Harbor in a match they most likely thought would be a pushover.

Marysville-Pilchuck was fortunate that Oak Harbor’s near misses were just that, as the Wildcats produced a handful of excellent scoring opportunities.

“Playing one of our better performances, we played toe-to-toe against them,” Oak Harbor coach Jeff Laiblin said.

Twice in the early going, the Wildcats put a scare into the Tommies. First, Jayden Wallace hit the post, then John Pierce was denied by a nice play by the M-P keeper.

Marysville-Pilchuck finally managed to score, and then added a penalty kick during extended time just before halftime.

Julian Hinkle, Mason Rhodes and Nathan Merrill all created great looks in the second half, according to Laiblin.

“(We) easily could have been up,” he added.

Marysville-Pilchuck finished the scoring when Oak Harbor was pushing for a goal in the final minutes.

“Max Brighton played great in goal for us,” Laiblin said.

“We really felt good about our play and realize that if we would have converted our opportunities, the win would of been ours.

“We will get back to work and will push hard as we go into action Friday against Everett on the road.”

Oak Harbor will challenge the Seagulls (1-7-3, 2-8-3) at 7:30 p.m. at Lincoln Field.

Nathan Merrill advances the ball for the Wildcats. (Photo by John Fisken)

Taiveyon Shaw heads the ball forward for Oak Harbor. (Photo by John Fisken)