Mariners edge Warriors

JEREMIAH BARTZ/ Frontiersman sports editor

PALMER - The Homer High School girls soccer squad claimed its second consecutive Region III title, but to do so, the Mariners had to defeat the hottest team in the conference.

Homer senior Bailey Lowney scored with four minutes remaining to give the Mariners a 1-0 win over the Wasilla Warriors in the Northern Lights Conference championship game at Colony High School on Saturday.

Prior to the title match, Wasillla had won three straight, five out of its last six and not allowed a goal in the first two games of the region tournament.

"We peaked about a week and a half ago, and we've been on a streak ever since," Wasilla head coach Katie Broeder said.

But Lowney spoiled Wasilla's hope of adding another chapter to its Cinderella story.

After 76 minutes of scoreless soccer, Lowney - in traffic right in front of the Warrior net - picked up a loose ball and booted it into the top of the Wasilla goal.

"She's a savvy player. She just has an eye for the ball," Homer head coach Mickey Todd said. "She's a naturally talented athlete who knows the game, and is just going to be at the right place at the right time."

Lowney and the Mariners had a flurry of chances on the Wasilla net in the second half. Wasilla's Sarah Mayse robbed Lowney of a goal minutes before her score.

As Homer caught Wasilla goalkeeper Allie Johnson out of position, Lowney put a hard shot on the Wasilla net, but Mayse was there to reject the attempt.

"Sarah Mayse saved a goal for us ,literally," Broeder said.

Broeder said Wasilla's ability to dismiss the Homer offensive pressure, for much of the game, shows how well the Warrior defense has been playing in the final two weeks of the season.

"My defense has been solid. We're pushing out, communicating, clearing the ball when needed," Broeder said.

With the Warriors consistently rejecting opportunities, Todd said the key for Homer was just being persistent.

"You have to keep pressure on the ball," Todd said. "We had been pounding the net for the majority of the second half. Eventually the goalie and defenses are going to lose their focus. When people have pressure on them, they are going to make mistakes."

By advancing to the region title games, both teams now have the opportunity to compete in next week's Alaska Schools Activities Association State Championship Tournament. And despite the loss, Wasilla is thrilled to be in that position.

"We're ecstatic," Broeder said. "I knew my team had the potential to start playing well, and rip some teams up."

Wasilla will compete in its second state tournament in the history of the program.

Wasilla earned a spot in the title game with a 1-0 win over Valley-rival Colony. Tarrah Naczi scored three minutes into the contest and the Warriors were able to post the shutout. It was Wasilla's second win over the Knights in the history of the Warrior soccer program. Both wins came in less than a

week.

The Warriors blanked Kenai 1-0 in the tournament opener. Csesalie Lease scored the Warrior game-winner.

Homer advanced to the championship game with a tough 1-0 win over Palmer. Amanda Conley scored the lone goal in the game.

Kyenna McKinstry scored to give Homer a 1-0 win over Grace Christian in the first round.