OSCODA - Apr. 13, 2009 - Oscoda's girls soccer team already had two games under its belt, while Tawas Area had yet to face live competition.

But on Monday, the Braves were able to shake off just enough rust to get past the Owls 1-0 in a non-conference game between former league opponents.

Alyssa Gracik scored in the 21st minute of the first half to provide the only score of the game despite a huge edge for Tawas in shots on goal.

The Braves outshot Oscoda 21-2 but were unable to cash in on any other chances.

"We didn't cash in on some chances that we got early in the match," said Oscoda coach Gary Schneider. "That came back to haunt us. Our defense was outstanding and Nicole (Jackson) came up big in goal for us.

"We kept the score low, which we knew we had to do against the Tawas offense, to have a chance."

Jackson made 20 saves, while Tawas keeper Molly Stoll made two.

Katia Kotula had 12 intercepts and five steals for the Owls, while Krystin Inman had six intercepts.

Tawas (1-0) opens league play Wednesday at four-time defending champion John Glenn, while Oscoda (2-1) is at Standish-Sterling.