Tigers in the District semifinals!!

Tigers arrived an hour early to Oakridge field to get a feel for the turf. Ladies were excited but as the warmup clock got closer to 0:00 the nerves were starting to settle in. Given our history this season with TC, both coaches were feeling confident in Our Tigers and their ability to hold TC off and use our dangerous breakaways.  The game plan: Strong defense, not giving TC any time to breathe much less take shots, and using breakaways early on to get on the board. In case of a tie Coaches and Lady Tigers felt confident in keeper Lilian Scott for a penalty shootout.

The whistle is blown and our Tigers start the game off with the ball. Very quickly it was apparent that this game was going to be a tough one as TC made two threatening runs, but our defense(Sydney Higgins, Gracie Bearup, Kim Settlemyre, Avery Geisen, and support from Carli Fryling playing more of a defensive center mid)  was on their toes and ready. Lilian Scott, fearlessly coming out to cut out TC player's angles and take the ball whenever possible. With barely ten minutes into the game, our offensive plan was set into motion as Nikki Tellkamp, playing right center mid, sends a through ball into the right side of TC’s half where Delaney Cronk, right lateral mid, gained possession. TC may have a good offense, but we knew coming in their defense was nothing our runners couldn’t take on. Sure enough, Miss Delaney, takes on two of their three defenders and takes the shot that landed the ball into TC’s net. We were in the lead 1-0!

Soon after we got on the board, a dangerous play was happening in our box. Our defense eager to get the ball out of danger managed to kick it out, but unfortunately ball landed right at the top of our 18 where TC player took the shot and scored. It was early in the game and the game was already tied. The remainder of the first half was a nail-biter as both teams had runs, but our defense and offense (Teslynn Ausema, Delaney Cronk, Nikki Tellkamp, Alainna Dietz, and forward Kylie Avink/Makayla Crontk) both were working overtime. The half ended 1-1.

During the half both players and coaches discussed that the opponent’s forward speed and confidence in taking long shots was the concern; so the plan remained. Tigers were fired up and ready to start the second half. Our Lady Tigers were not going to make this easy for TC and TC was taking notice. Grant coaches knew our ladies were starting to get tired, but as the great athletes they are they pushed through and didn’t let any clear sign of fatigue show to their opponent. On the other hand TC girls were panting, we had them. ..

Second half was well on its way when TC had a breakaway run. Gracie Bearup raced TC player as they inched closer to our goal. Gracie applied pressure until our goalkeeper, Lilian Scott, called for ball. Lily dove in to grab the ball but unfortunately something went wrong and ball was loose. TC player reacted and scored; putting TC in the lead 2-1. Trying to encourage our Ladies, coaches called them out to remind them it wasn’t over, we were fine, and we still had time. The game went on, but TC was alive again. Caught off-guard, our defense struggled to get the ball near the 18 and a shot was taken by TC. TC scored their 3^rd goal. The clock kept winding down until we all heard the countdown 10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2, and 1 the game ended.  Lady Tigers walked off the field defeated, but not outplayed. Tigers gave TC a run for their money.

It was a great season! Grant Tigers gained admiration not just from our supportive fans but other coaches, some recruiters, and some newspapers. Everyone watch out, because next year we will be going for it all!!

It has been an honor Ladies!