Squalicum girls’ soccer secures state spot after 3-0 win
The third time may be a charm, but it’s going to take more than luck to beat Squalicum girls’ soccer this season.
Squalicum got three first-half goals and topped Burlington-Edison for the third time this season, this time by a score of 3-0 in the Class 2A Northwest District semifinal on Tuesday, Nov. 3, at Civic Stadium.
The victory sealed the Storm’s fourth straight state tournament appearance, where it has advanced to the state semifinals each of the last three seasons including a Class 2A title last season.
“It’s fantastic,” Squalicum coach David Kish said after the win. “It’s just one game at a time but you finish the game and you realize we’re back in the big show.”
The Storm’s convincing win started quickly, when Kim Hazlett capitalized on a failed clearance from Burlington-Edison and put it in the back of the net 5 minutes in.
Payton Fowler followed that up in the 20th when she deflected a low screaming shot from Kim Dorr past Tigers’ goalkeeper Jenny Gustafson.
Our backline has done a great job but our midfield is our unsung heroes.
Squalicum coach David Kish
The play of the game, though, came on the final score, when Hazlett barely got a foot on a Kendra Steele’s through ball to send it flying into the net.
Squalicum’s defense, led by center back Rachel Dorr, took over in the second half, shutting down the Northwest Conference’s leading goalscorer Edie Breckenridge for the second time.
“Kudos to her, she’s an amazing player,” Rachel Dorr said of Breckenridge, who has 37 goals on the year. “I think our team as a whole has great team defense against Burlington and especially Edie. In the long run what matters is that we get the win but I think the shutout is what makes it that much more sweet.”
Kish was quick to point out, though, that the defensive line isn’t the only part of the team contributing to the shutout.
“I want to give it to the midfield for keeping Edie at bay,” Kish said. “Our backline has done a great job but our midfield is our unsung heroes.”
The result sets up a rematch of last year’s 2A state championship between the Storm and Shorecrest for the Northwest District title. The game will be played Saturday, Nov. 7, at Sedro-Woolley High School.
“I don’t think it matters who the opponent is,” Kish said. “It could be Archbishop, could be Shorecrest. It’s one game.”
Squalicum 3, Burlington-Edison 0
Goal: Kim Hazlett (Squalicum), time 5; Goal: Payton Fowler (Squalicum), assist: Kim Dorr, time 20; Goal: Kim Hazlett (Squalicum), assist: Kendra Steele, time 38. Goalies (saves) — B-E: Jenny Gustafson (9); Squalicum: Rachel Runnalls (4). Shots on goal — B-E 4, Squalicum 13.
This story was originally published November 3, 2015 at 10:24 PM with the headline "Squalicum girls’ soccer secures state spot after 3-0 win."