Sister act helps Titans reach state semifinals

BOWLING GREEN – Sisters Carlie and Rilee Brinkman each scored goals on Saturday night to help Ottawa Glandorf to their fourth straight final four.

Tied 0-0 with Eastwood and without the services of leading scorer Makenna Siefker due to injury, the Titans turned to another senior leader for a big moment.

Carlie Brinkman, a first team Western Buckeye League defender made her mark on the offensive side to put the Titans on top as she banged a corner kick lob from teammate Delaney Duling past Eagles keeper Jordan Jensen.

“Carlie is a great leader on our team and showed up big time to get the first goal” said Ottawa Glandorf mentor Michelle Maag.

In the second half of play the younger Brinkman sister Rilee jumped into the scoring column for the second time on the year as she blasted a 25-yard offering top shelf for the final score of the night.

“It was the Brinkman sisters who notched their names in the scorebook tonight” said Maag. “Rilee’s goal was a beautiful shot to the far post that Liv Grothause did a great job playing her a ball she could finish.”

Moments before the first goal, Ottawa Glandorf senior Makenna Siefker went down on the Bowling Green High School turf and was helped off by Maag and Titan trainer Jess Michel and would not return. “Makenna is a huge piece of our team, we aren’t sure about her status moving forward right now” explained Maag.

All year long the Titans have faced adversity and have had to figure how to combat injuries to key players, a fact not lost on their head coach. “We have had our fair share of adversity lately and tonight. The way the girls showed toughness and belief through that adversity was top notch, I’m incredibly proud of the way they continued to battle tonight.”

Eastwood (10-9-3) was led all season by superb goal keeping from senior Jordan Jensen, and this night would be no different. Despite surrendering a pair of markers, Jensen finished with 14 saves in her final evening as an Eagle.

Ottawa Glandorf (19-2) will be making their fourth consecutive state appearance under Maag, also in her fourth season on Tuesday night as they travel to Sandusky for a 7pm tilt against Chagrin Falls.

“The girls will want to enjoy this win tonight, but tomorrow they will be thinking about what needs to be done for Tuesday’s game” said Maag. “I’m excited for the opportunity to keep playing and am looking forward to a great battle with Chagrin Falls.”

Sophomore keeper Libbie Niese turned away four Eastwood shots to earn her fifth straight win. Niese’s biggest test of the evening came after a foul on O-G that allowed Eastwood freshman Karissa Nelson a chance from 28-yards away:

Scoring:
24:58 – Carlie Brinkman (O-G)
29:12 – Rilee Brinkman (O-G)

Assists:
1 – Liv Grothause (O-G)
1 – Delaney Duling (O-G)

Saves:
4 – Libbie Niese (O-G)
14 – Jordan Jensen (E)

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