The Lady Rattlers kicked off the first round of the Region IX Tournament, in a quarterfinal game against Western Nebraska, last Saturday at Tiger Stadium.
The Rattlers had a strong start, putting away two quick goals in the first seven minutes of the match. The first goal came from a corner kick by sophomore, Callie Larson, which fell to the feet of center back, Kayleigh Brough, who was able to hit the back of the net. The second goal came off of a direct ball from freshman, Adriana Smith, to the feet of forward, Cassi Moosburger, who was able to turn and shoot, giving the Rattlers a 2-0 lead.
The team kept control and maintained possession for the majority of the first half as Western Nebraska struggled to come back. With 11 minutes remaining in the first half, Otero freshman, Estephany Gonzalez, provided forward, Lauren Verro, a through ball that she was able to touch past the Western Nebraska goalkeeper to put her team up 3-0 going into halftime.
Entering the second half both teams competed and Western Nebraska was able to increase their pressure with a breakaway attempt from sophomore, Eden Washington, just missing the OJC goal. However, the Lady Rattlers were able to steal another goal in the 59th minute of play; which came from another corner kick, this time off the foot of center back, Chloe Craig, to put the Rattlers up 4-0.
Despite the deficit, Western Nebraska continued to fight as Brittany Hunsley put the Cougers on the scoreboard with a shot from the top of the 18-yard box, off of a rebounded diving save from OJC goalkeeper, Madisen Quinn, with only 11 minutes left to play. OJC finished with 30 shots total to the Cougars’ seven, five corner kicks to their one, and three goalkeeper saves to the Cougars’ 15.
The Lady Rattlers walked away with a 4-1 victory over Western Nebraska putting them in the semifinal game against Trinidad State Community College Friday, Oct. 29. The Lady Rattlers will play the semifinal game at 4 p.m. at the Regency Athletic Complex in Denver, Colorado.
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