Squalicum girls’ soccer gets win despite lack of spark

For the 45th straight game Squalicum’s girls’ soccer team walked off the field without a loss. But whether it was the wind, cold or a Steilacoom stronghold in the Storm’s attacking third, it was clear Squalicum was not in peak performance.

A win is a win, though, and the Storm topped the Sentinels 3-0 in the first round of the Class 2A State Tournament on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at Civic Stadium to continue its undefeated streak and advance to the state quarterfinals for the fourth straight season. The Storm will face Black Hills on Saturday, Nov. 14, at Civic Stadium.

“For whatever reason, they just kind of lacked that spark tonight,” Squalicum coach David Kish said after the game. “That’s happened a couple times this year.”

The Storm’s breakthrough came right before the half, courtesy of usual suspect Kim Hazlett, who said the Storm’s early frustrations were solved by “working harder.”

The senior forward scored her 30th goal of the season in the 37th minute when she won a ball from the Steilacoom defense and fired a shot that sneaked inside the post.

The steal-and-fire is a Hazlett trademark but also one the Storm tries to preach.

“We needed some fight and she did exactly what we wanted,” Kish said. “I think that’s part of that team defense. Everybody defends, nobody gets a free ride.”

Hazlett added another in the 60th on a Rachel Dorr corner kick when she slid in through the Sentinels’ defense, which was impressive throughout a night with 20 mph-wind and gusts much stronger.

Hazlett timed her jump correctly and headed it home to put the Storm up 2-0.

“The header was not that hard with the wind, which for some reason had died down,” Hazlett said. “I just noticed I wasn’t really being marked and ran through the defenders.”

Kim Dorr scored the late tally when Braeden Hilleary used some fancy footwork and a great move to get past the defender and send in a low cross to the feet of Kim.

A one-timer past Steilacoom goalie Bailey Crow, who recorded 15 saves on the night, made it 3-0.

“(Hilleary) has great foot skills. She can burn girls left and right all day,” Kish said. “We’re trying to get her to where once she beats the defender to get a cross into where someone can make a play. She did that tonight.”

Squalicum put 20 shots on goal on the night, compared to Steilacoom’s one and controlled possession throughout. The Storm, though, will look to find its spark again against Black Hills Saturday.

With a win over the 15-6 Wolves, who topped Highline 6-4 Tuesday, the Storm will find itself in its fourth consecutive state semifinal, including the school’s first state title last season.

This story was originally published November 10, 2015 at 10:37 PM with the headline "Squalicum girls’ soccer gets win despite lack of spark."