OSCODA – April 27, 2005 – The Oscoda soccer team may be outmatched in the experience department, but if their tenacity is any indication, the wins will eventually come.

Tawas Area kept the ball on the Owls' end of the field virtually the entire way during the Braves' 5-0 victory on Wednesday, but Oscoda managed to stay within striking range for a half, trailing just 1-0.

The Owls, despite fielding just two seniors and two juniors, had repeatedly turned away the Braves' relentless attack, save for Katie Wajda's goal with 12 minutes left in the half.

Both teams adjusted at the half, but with Oscoda trying to open up its attack, the Braves were able to turn the ball around and score two goals in the first four minutes of the second half to put the game away. Sarah Klenow put away a loose ball in front of the Owls' net with 3:30 gone in the half, then took a perfect cross from Kellie Kasischke 30 seconds later to make it 3-0.

"I was extremely proud of our girls tonight," said Oscoda coach George Morse. "We had our defensive plans working in the first half. We tried to open up in the second half, and that resulted in Tawas taking advantage. The girls continue to grow each game and that is what we are looking for in a young squad."

Klenow completed her second-half hat trick with 24 minutes left in the game and Katie Jacques knocked in a rebound with 14 minutes remaining for the final score. Kasischke finished with two assists, with Klenow, Kadra Stec and Rachel Ericson each adding one.

The Owls' best scoring threat came late in the contest when Michelle Morse launched a shot off the left post.

"I was happy with the team controlling the play, looking for the pass and working the ball around," said Tawas coach Ken Cook. "We are especially improving the quality of our playing the ball when it comes out of defense. If we improve our shot placement and accuracy we are going to be really dangerous."

The Braves improved to 5-3 (4-2 NEMC) while Oscoda dropped to 1-6, 1-5.