Chiefs beat Pirates 2-0, advance to championship
Junior midfielder Stephanie Overland (20) fights for the ball against a Wenatchee defender Oct. 22. Overland scored one goal in Moses Lake's 4-0 win over Davis on Tuesday. The Chiefs face Wenatchee Saturday in the district championship 1 p.m. at Lions Field.
MOSES LAKE - Moses Lake continued its run of dominance in the Columbia Basin Big 9, defeating Davis 4-0 in the first round of district playoffs.
The Chiefs extended their winning streak to eight matches and Tuesday's win over the Pirates guarantees a state berth for Moses Lake.
"It's a huge win," head coach Ric Char said. "Any time a team can qualify for the state tournament that's a huge accomplishment in itself so we're super happy. I'm super proud of the girls for meeting our goals this year."
Junior midfielders McKenna Walker and Stephanie Overland gave the Chiefs an early lead with first half goals. Walker found the back of the net in the ninth minute and Stephanie added her goal off an assist from senior forward Caylah Lunning in the 29th minute.
Char highlighted the defense of senior midfielder Megan Roughan also contributed to the team's win.
"She was all over the field," he said, "and made sure we kept tabs on their one threat, number four."
Junior forward Alysha Overland added two more goals in the second half off assists from her twin sister, Stephanie. Alysha recently set the single-season scoring record for Moses Lake after a torrid regular season in which she scored 25 goals.
Moses Lake beat Davis 2-0 on Halloween to close its regular season undefeated in the Columbia Basin Big 9 and was able turn around and beat the Pirates for a third time Tuesday in the first round of the district tournament.
"We're just fortunate enough to have great athletes," Char said. "Our speed and our pace is a little challenging for Davis and then they can make adjustments, but speed kills."
Moses Lake will play Wenatchee for the district championship at Lions Field Saturday at 1 p.m.
The Chiefs won the previous two meetings against the Panthers this season and clinched the league championship Oct. 22 after beating Wenatchee 1-0.
"We just need to take that game like we've taken it all season," Char said. "We can't assume anything from them and we have to play our best game against them. They're obviously the second seed for a reason."
Saturday's match is vital not only because of the district championship on the line, but the winner will also host the first round of the state tournament.
"It's never a good thing to travel outside your place," Char said.