Austin girls blank Stewartville in tournament opener
Published 9:37 pm Tuesday, October 10, 2017
- Austin’s Monika Vargas races ahead of Stewartville’s Allison Ruter during the first half of their Section 1A playoff game Tuesday night at Art Hass Stadium. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
The Austin girls soccer team didn’t pile on a ton of shots, but it made them all count as it knocked off No. 9 seeded Stewartville 2-0 in a Section 1A Tournament opener in Art Hass Stadium Tuesday.
The Packers (6-8-1 overall) grabbed a 1-0 lead when Hannah Quandt chipped a shot over the keeper from 25 yards out in the first half and Emily Hegna put the game out of reach when she blasted in a shot with a four minutes left.
Austin’s Isabel Leuer turns direction with the ball during the first half of their Section 1A playoff game Stewartville Tuesday night at Art Hass Stadium. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
“We knew we needed another goal for a cushion and after that second goal we just kind of knew [we had it],” Hegna said. “It was a good feeling. We stayed positive [tonight], we spread the field and we made open passes.”
Austin had just four shots on goal while Stewartville had 10 shots, most of which came from speedster Hailey Lewis, who was able to create a few opportunities. When Lewis did get to the net a couple of times, Austin keeper Myia Hoium was there to keep her from scoring.
“We didn’t know much about Stewartville so we just came out played our game,” Hoium said. “I was aware of [Lewis] at first, but I wasn’t worried about her. Our defense does a good job of keeping scorers out.”
Austin head coach Jake Levisen was pleased with the focus and discipline his squad played with under cold and wet conditions and the season being on the line.
Austin’s Maya Wuertz looks for an outlet during the first half against Stewartville in their Section 1A playoff game Tuesday night at Art Hass Stadium. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
“We knew there were things were things we had to adjust on,” Levisen said. “The team did that and they played as one. They trusted each other and a strong defense led to a strong attack.”
The Packers will play at No. 1 Rochester Lourdes in a Section 1A Quarterfinal game Thursday at 7 p.m. The Eagles beat Austin 4-0 Oct. 2.
“This team is a very dedicated team and they’re a very driven team,” Levisen said. “I know that they’re ready to keep on challenging the teams that we come up against next.”