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- Subscribe - Contact Us - Rate Card - Place an Ad Archives Revels Classifieds Real Estate Menu Guide Wedding Weather Subscribe Contact Us October 3, 2005 Grizzlies storm back, beat KU Ashland scores two goals in the closing minutes to overcome late 3-2 deficit By Alan Panebaker Tidings Correspondent ASHLAND JUNIOR LIZ EDWARDS , middle, is congratulated by teammates after scoring the game-winning goal against the Klamath Union Pelicans, Saturday at the Ashland Middle School. Photos by Kara Q. Lewis | Ashland Daily Tidings If there was one Ashland High girls’ soccer game not to be missed this year, it was Saturday’s matchup against Klamath Union. In a tooth-and-nail battle ping-ponging from goal to goal, the Grizzlies pulled off a dazzling comeback in the final minutes to steal a 4-3 victory at Ashland Middle School. “It was a great roller coaster ride,” Ashland head coach Eric Wolff said. “Today was perfect for us.” Trailing 3-2 with only minutes to go, the Grizzlies pulled together a game-saving sequence that may have also saved their season. Ashland High turned on the jets and peppered KU’s defense relentlessly. From about 10 yards outside the penalty box, senior midfielder Maddie Stokes dribbled through Klamath Union’s entire defense to loft a goal over KU’s keeper. Then, as tensions on and off the field mounted with a tied score, Ashland stunned the Pelicans when junior Elizabeth Edwards took a rebound that bounced off the crossbar and punched it home for the winning goal. Screaming fans and players congratulated the girls after the final whistle. The win improved the Grizzlies to 3-4 in the Southern Oregon Conference at the midway point of the 14-game SOC season. Ashland is one game behind fourth-place Crater in the league standings. “I think we had a lot more heart this game,” said Ashland junior midfielder Katie Cowger. “I really liked our passing and our movement off the ball.” But like some roller coasters, the game started slowly for Ashland High. The first half was as dismal as the rainy 55-degree weather for the home team as numerous attacks came up short and shot after shot barely missed the inside of KU’s net. And as Klamath Union striker Katie Gilbert slipped a ball past Jamie Roupp and into Ashland’s goal, things seemed even more desperate for the Grizzlies. But as the second half began, something clicked with the Grizz, and the slipping, sliding game of the first half transformed into a fine soccer match. Perhaps what the varsity girls needed was a little help from Edwards — who played the first half of the junior varsity game. In just her second varsity game of the year, Edwards scored both the first and last goals for the Grizzlies. Edwards’ first score — a low shot into the corner off a cross by Cowger —sparked a momentum in both teams that would turn the next 30 minutes into an epic goalfest. ASHLAND’S MOLLY MacGRAW , dribbles the ball against pressure during Saturday’s game. MacGraw, a sophomore midfielder, helped the Ashland High girls’ soccer team overcome a 3-2 deficit and beat the Pelicans. The slide tackling, out-of-control play of the first half suddenly yielded to a controlled, competitive, fun-to-watch style of soccer. “We had great passing sequences today,” Wolff said. “Sometimes we don’t pass enough. Sometimes we pass too much. Today we had a good combination.” Saturday’s game generated what Wolff hopes will continue to be an upbeat trend for his team. With a stroke of luck, and an solid remainder of the season, Ashland may still accomplish its goal of making the state playoffs. “There’s still a possibility that we’ll make it to the playoffs, but I can’t count my chickens before they hatch,” Wolff said. Amid her relief with the win and ecstasy at not missing a clutch shot, Madeline Stokes kept up the optimism of her coach. “We just need to keep our momentum and work as a team,” Stokes said, “and not get down on ourselves.” Klamath Union coach Dick Ledgerwood applauded what was a tough game for both sides. “Our girls got a little tired in the second half, and we’re not used to playing on a wet field, but who is?” Ledgerwood said. “We’re just trying to get together, but I can’t be unhappy with the effort.” Katie Gilbert scored two goals for Klamath Union, while midfielder Ellie Casey also had one. Junior forward Hannah Sohl also scored for Ashland. The Grizzlies next host Roseburg (2-5) on Tuesday at North Mountain Park. Alan Panebaker is a correspondent for the Ashland Daily Tidings. To comment on this article, contact Sports Editor Joe Zavala at 482-3456 ext. 3020 or [email protected]. DailyTidings.com Home Page Archives | Revels | Classifieds | Real Estate Guide | Weather | Subscribe | Contact Us Copyright 2005 Ashland Daily Tidings and Ottaway Newspapers All Rights Reserved Deep Muscle Stimulator Ceramic Piggy Banks FREE Entertainment Guide Women's & Men's Slippers Accelerate Weightloss Products Backpacks Generic Viagra Vegas Travel Guide Search Engine Optimization Sportsbook Absinthe Supply Student Loans Hotel & Airline Reservations African Safari Hammocks Helzberg Diamonds Online Casinos Community Bonus Casino King of Spirits ink cartridges Mortgage Calculator Security Systems Mailing Lists Click Here Advertisement .:Advertisements:. Site Search: RESOURCES - Mail Tribune News - ODOT Road Cams