BOWLING GREEN – Ottawa Glandorf will be making their fourth straight trip to the regional finals on Saturday afternoon after securing a 1-0 victory in Bowling Green against Clear Fork on Tuesday.
“It was yet another hard fought game for the full 80 minutes” said O-G coach Michelle Maag. “I’m proud of all the girls for the toughness and belief they showed tonight.”
Built on the toughness of their defense, the Titans used their offense and special teams play early to secure the lead. O-G’s Delaney Duling lofted a corner kick high in the air towards the net and watched as teammate Makenna Siefker headed it home to put the blue and gold on top 1-0 just three minutes into the contest.
“It was nice to get the early goal tonight, especially while we had the wind at our back in the first half” said Maag. “We have always believed that set pieces will win you tournament games, and Delaney served a great ball for Makenna to finish cleanly. It was the only corner we earned on the night so it was a great night when it comes to corner kick conversion efficiency.”
Strong defense from the likes of All-WBL defenders Carlie Brinkman, Savannah Recker, Megan Horstman, and Liv Grothause helped the Titans keep Clear Fork standout Melodie Blubaugh and teammates from getting clean shots on goal.
“We have always been a defense first team, and that was an important theme tonight” said Maag. “Clear Fork has great attacking talent but I thought our back line did a fantastic job of limiting the opportunities they had. Carlie and Savannah did a good job of keeping us organized and clearing danger. Alaina (Klass) and Megan (Horstman) maintained good positions and made things difficult for Clear Fork tonight.”
Clear Fork (13-5-2), winners of four straight outings by a margin of 29-0 coming into their regional semifinals appearance were held to just four shots on goal against Titan keeper Libbie Niese.
“Libbie had a great game in the net. She showed her strength in holding onto the ball as Clear Fork sent runners hard into her box” said Maag. “She did a great job of maintaining control through contact.”
Late in the game the Colts found themselves with their best chance to score on a free kick from just outside the box, but were unable to dent the scoreboard thanks to the Titan defense knocking down the offering and sending it away.
Ottawa Glandorf (18-2) advances to Saturday’s regional final and will head to Clyde for a 12pm matchup with Eastwood, 3-0 winners over Hubbard in a match played at Shelby High School.
“Offensively we had moments where things look great, and moments where it got chaotic” finished Maag. “We will look to improve upon that in the next couple of days as we get ready for an always strong Eastwood program in what should be a great game on Saturday.”
Scoring:
36:49 – Makenna Siefker (O-G)
Assists:
1 – Delaney Duling (O-G)
Saves:
4 – Libbie Niese (O-G)
11 – Faith Smith (C)