OSCODA - Mar. 25, 2009 - Oscoda's girls soccer team opened its 2009 campaign tonight, shutting out the Houghton Lake Bobcats 4-0. 

Coach Gary Schneider was pleased with the results. 

"We started slow but got in a rhythm and worked the system," he said. "We have a slightly new look this year and the girls are adjusting well too it.  They came out in the second half and took control and moved the ball."

Both squads looked rusty early on but Oscoda found the net just 18 minutes into the match when Katy Peacock took a direct kick about 20 yards out and taped the ball to Rushelle Sidebottom, who lofted a blast over the head of the Bobcat keeper. 

The Owls led 1-0 lead at the half. 

In the second half the Owls came out energized with the wind at their backs.  Dani Griffin scored her first of the season just a minute and a half into the half.  Chelsea Carraway earned an assist and also had five steals in the match. 

Six minutes later Sidebottom netted her second of the afternoon when she stole the ball and deposited it behind the Bobcat keeper.  The Owls final tally came in the 59th minute when Ashley Suszek hit Griffin up the middle for an easy goal. 

The Owls outshot Houghton Lake 21-5, 14 coming in the second half.

The Owls defense was led by Katia Kotula who finished with 6 steals and 9 intercepts. Krystin Inman had 2 steals and 4 intercepts and a non-keeper save.  Newcomer Clara Insuasti had 3 steals and 4 intercepts.  Nicole Jackson had 3 saves in goal and Kelli Lehman had 2 when she replaced and injured Jackson for 15 minutes in the first half. 

The Owls earned an early season 1-0 record and travel next Thursday, April 2nd, to Houghton Lake for the rematch.  The scheduled start is at 4:30pm.