By Jeremy McDonald
Jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com
SALEM, Ore — The Chemeketa Women’s Soccer team did what they needed to do to advance in the NWAC Postseason on Wednesday afternoon at Chemeketa Community College.
Their offense did their damage in the first half with goals by Emorie Loewen (West Salem) and Kenya Bautista (Springfield) in the opening nine minutes of the game while their defense held Whatcom to one goal, that coming in the opening half.
The Storm led the Orcas 2-1 at the halftime break and Chemeketa knew Whatcom was going to come out swinging in the final 45 minutes.
“We had a talk during halftime that we had to hold down our backline because we had the upper line anyway. We really had to really hold it down and we pulled it through and we did it,” said Loewen.
The Orcas came out as strong as the Storm expected and Chemeketa was prepared.
But it didn’t come without some stress down the stretch.
It was still a 2-1 game coming down to the final whistle. Whatcom had a free kick and a few corners going into stoppage time, but the Storm managed to hold the Orcas scoreless in the second half for the 2-1 playoff victory.
“We could had a little more organization defensive wise and out front to make it not as nerve-racking. Our keeper (Addison Mulkey) is amazing and she really held the fort down for us and kept us in the game and all we had to do was make sure we shut them out in the second half and we were able to accomplish that goal,” said Chemeketa Head Coach Kaylyn Okerstrom.
The win puts the Storm in the NWAC Quarterfinals and the win on Wednesday was the first Playoff win for the Storm since 2010 when they defeated Edmonds.
“It feels really good to get it. We really worked hard this season and all the effort that we put out there today, I’m rrally proud of everybody, ” said Loewen.
Kickoff against Spokane is scheduled for noon on Saturday at Spokane.
Photos By Jeremy McDonald
