By Mike Maltais
The Liberty Bell High School varsity girls soccer team got a look at non-league opponents Okanogan and Tonasket during action at the Okanogan Jamboree last Saturday (Sept. 7).
Despite a 1-0 loss to Tonasket on a goal scored in the final 30 seconds of play and a 2-1 loss to Okanogan on penalty kicks, coach Mike Wilson liked what he saw from his team.
“The girls played well,” Wilson said. “With so many young ones out there playing, there were some nerves.”
Wilson said it was the first high school soccer playing experience for many of his young players.
“We tried a couple of different formations to see what worked well, and what didn’t,” Wilson said.
The team lacked flow and chemistry but the coach acknowledged that would come with more time on the field together.
“I was pleased with the play of both goalkeepers,” Wilson said of senior Hannah Hafsos and eighth-grader Lauren Ochoa.
“We tied Okanogan 0-0, then lost on penalties, 2-1. Consequently both teams took 10 penalties, a lot of misses and saves,” the coach said. “Lauren Ochoa played the second game, and made three saves in the shootout.”
The Lady Lions were scheduled to host Okanogan Tuesday (Sept. 10). Tonasket will be in town Thursday (Sept. 12) for a 5 p.m. game.
Liberty Bell will host defending state B champions Bear Creek on Saturday (Sept. 14) at noon.
