Oak Harbor High School soccer coach Mike Lonborg may not have any finger nails left after the Wildcats’ 1-0 tense win over visiting Glacier Peak Thursday, Oct. 17.

Oak Harbor scored midway through the first half and then withstood a constant Grizzly assault to escape with the much-needed win.

The Wildcats snapped a four-match losing streak to keep their narrow playoff hopes alive.

Freshman Jen Turnek received a nice through ball from Lydia Peplinski, tapped the ball away from the on-rushing GP goalie, causing the Grizzly keeper to fall, and then rolled in the game’s only goal from a steep angle.

Coach Mike Lonborg was pleased with the play of Peplinski and other non-regulars who contributed minutes to help ease the sting of three players, including two full-time starters, out with injuries.

The first half was 50/50 in possession time, Lonborg said, but the second period was all Glacier Peak (2-7, 3-8-1). Oak Harbor rarely pushed the ball past midfield but its defense held tough against the aggressive Grizzlies.

Wildcat keep Makenzie Perry recorded several saves and Oak Harbor rejected a half-dozen Glacier Peak corner kicks in the second half.

“Pretty much a team effort,” Lonborg said. “We kept our focus and intensity throughout; we didn’t back off.”

Oak Harbor (2-7, 4-7-1) goes to Marysville-Pilchuck (7-2, 7-5) to face the North division leaders at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22.