NLC tourney: Wasilla girls set up rematch Kenai; WHS boys fall

PALMER — The Wasilla Warriors have been waiting for another crack at the Kenai Kardinals.

Today, Wasilla will have its shot at redemption.

Wasilla used an 8-0 quarterfinal win over Nikiski to move forward to the semifinal round, where the Warriors will face Kenai today at 3 p.m. at Palmer High.

Alexa Starr scored a pair of goals to lead Wasilla to win the win over the Bulldogs. Teyonnah Williams, Jodie Richey, Addie Messick, Pheobe Christiansen, Emilia Butler and Leanna Malak also scored for Wasilla. Lauren Amirault recorded the shutout in the win.

The win sets up a semifinal rematch between the Kards and the Warriors. Wasilla played Kenai during the regular season, region tournament and state tournament last year. The Kards were 3-0 against Wasilla in 2014.

This year, the lone meeting between the rivals ended in a 1-1 tie.

“There’s going to be no surprises. Both teams know each other so well,” Wasilla head coach Patrick O’Neill said after the Nikiski win. “All they’re stronger players are seniors and juniors, just like us. They have a real strong goalie. They play tough (defense) and they’re a well-coached team.”

Mariners upset Wasilla boys

PALMER — Homer used a pair of goals during extra time to upset defending NLC champion Wasilla 2-0 in the NLC quarterfinals Thursday evening at Palmer High School.

Kenneth Schneider scored on a header off a Flynn Bloom free kick during the first 10-minute overtime to give Homer the 1-0 lead. During the second 10-minute extra period, Schneider used a breakaway to set up a Charles Rohr goal.

Wasilla was eliminated from tourney play with the loss.