Overlands named all-state

MOSES LAKE - A historic season for Moses Lake girls soccer continued as juniors Stephanie and Alysha Overland were named to the Washington State Soccer Coaches Association Fall 2013 All-State second team.

The twins were the first players from Moses Lake to make a first or second all-state team. Megan Frederick was previously named all-state honorable mention.

"I was in shock when our coach told us," Stephanie said. "It's a cool experience to be one of the few from here that have actually been selected for it."

The all-state selection is just the latest award in a season filled with milestones for Alysha. The forward set a new Moses Lake single-season goals record with 25 and was named the Columbia Basin Big 9 MVP.

"I wasn't expecting it at all," Alysha said. "It was just an exciting feeling to know that we were one of the few or first that have gotten selected from this area."

The Overlands helped the Chiefs to an undefeated league record, league championship, district championship and a berth in the state tournament.

Stephanie was a do everything player for Moses Lake in the midfield racking up 10 goals and 10 assists in the regular season and district tournament.

"It was just awesome how are team just came together and we were always there for each other even through our success and our failures," Stephanie said. "We had a lot of success and we met a lot of our goals throughout the season, so it really turned out to be a great season."

Head coach Ric Char, who was named Big 9 Coach of the Year, praised the twins versatility and work ethic. But also added that the Chiefs were chalked full of talent, allowing Stephanie and Alysha to find opportunities for goals and assists.

"It's huge to have two assets like that in the midfield and then up top at the forward position," Char said. "Steph could fill in at any time and Alysha is very fortunate enough to have the support staff that she does with Caylah (Lunning) and Lizzy McGraw and all the other players that made our conference's all-star teams this year."

Moses Lake worked as a cohesive unit the entire season and put together one of the most successful season's in the program's history. Alysha stood out with her scoring, but Lunning, junior McKenna Walker, senior Megan Roughan and McGraw were all contributors to a team that dominated their league.

"I don't think we could've reached this accomplishment without our whole team," Alysha said. "We all support each other and help each other and we're all just one team. It's not one of us gets the glory it's all of us."

With the Overlands headlining an outstanding junior class, Moses Lake figures to be a top team in the Big 9 as well as the state next season.

"They're just really competitive," Char said. "They have a desire to get better they have a desire to make their team better and contribute to the program's success. They're super humble in what they do and they love playing soccer."