Krogh scores twice; Moses Lake eliminates Sunnyside

MOSES LAKE — Abby Rathbun grasped onto the goal netting, frustrated that another shot rolled just out of her reach.

Moses Lake will take the result — a 2-0 victory over Sunnyside in the Columbia Basin Big Nine play-in game. But a trip to the state tournament will hinge on a consistent offense.

“I think it was just a combination of everything,” head coach Ric Char said. “With having two games played already... I think this is our first Saturday match since our first game so a little tired legs No. 1. No. 2, just trying to get the girls that we brought up in and girls that don’t normally get playing time in to see if we can get some different combinations and some experience.”

Only two days removed from a Thursday thumping of Sunnyside 7-0, Saturday’s game resembled a repeat early.

Madi Krogh used her speed to chase down a pass from Rathbun for a breakaway goal in the second minute. Krogh scored her second on an assist from Morgan Skone in the 18th minute.

“I think she’s (Krogh) the quickest player in the Big Nine,” Char said. “Using her quickness to get away and separate from defenders is going to be crucial for us to be successful.”

That would be the extent of the scoring.

Moses Lake pounded Sunnyside’s goal to the tune of 31 shots, but Krogh was the only player to find the back of the net.

Several shots on goal soared too tall, were just wide or hit either post.

Mid-way through the second half, a precision pass from Kennady Schlagel to Emily Mendoza was kicked wide left with Rathbun barely missing the follow-up.

Mendoza also had a free kick from 20 yards out that clanged off the left post.

“A win’s a win for us, but in the end it’s a playoff game and so the girls can’t count that out,” Char said. “Every team from here on out is going to be good. We’ve just got to be ready for it.”

Moses Lake will host Eastmont, 6 p.m., Wednesday. The winner will advance to play the loser of the district championship game between Wenatchee and West Valley.

First half — 1, ML, Krogh (Rathbun), 2:00. 2, ML, Krogh (Skone), 18:00.