Owls are Strong Ahead of Playoffs

Just as it feels that the fall sports season gets in gear, many of our teams are already in tournament play. There are many opportunities for you to cheer on our varsity Owl teams in the next couple weeks.

Here’s the breakdown.

Boys’ Ultimate: Unfortunately, for Coach Joey Pauley’s team, the season ended Tuesday with a playoff loss to Northwest 13-4, but the team is not hanging their heads. It’s the first time in six years that the squad has even had an opportunity to play into the postseason. “We’ve made some great strides,” says Pauley. “Our four seniors were pretty bummed out at the end result but, moving forward, our young guys are going to be ready to make a difference. They’re committed to the program and have a love for the sport.”

Cross Country: Coach Micah Orr knew that this year’s boys’ and girls’ squads were going to be powerful. It’s just unexpected in the way they are doing it. This could be a special year for our Owl runners when both, boys and girls, compete in the Bi-Districts race on October 28 in South Whidbey. A good result means trips to the state tournament in Yakima in November. On the boys’ side, Spencer A. ’18 has just broken the school record in cross country. “He’s had his ups and downs, and he’s grown a lot over the years,” says Orr. “He is now the fastest Owl runner ever, and, hopefully, his final race ends on the podium at state.” On the girls’ side, eleven of the team’s thirteen runners have just set personal records. Orr thinks that it could mean a first ever trip to state for our girls' team.

Girls’ Volleyball: Fall sports biggest surprise, the Owls volleyball team has dominated league play and are the Emerald City League’s regular season champions. With strong leadership from Captain Liv S. ’18, the team is able to rotate players without a drop in performance. First year coach Justice Magraw’s squad relies on solid play from many younger players and they hope to carry that momentum into the playoffs in a couple weeks. Now is the time to rally around this special Owl team as they enter the final stretch of their season schedule including Monday’s Senior night versus Eastside Prep. Game time is 6:15pm.

Boys’ Golf: Tuesday’s ECL tournament was a downer for our Owls golfers. Finishing fourth of four teams, Coach Sprague Kolp’s assessment from the clubhouse was spot on. “Our guys are better than what they’re doing out there,” said Kolp. “Losing focus, they missed putts that added strokes. You can’t win that way.” Now the team takes the season off for the opportunity to play in spring Bi-districts and hopefully a state tournament appearance.

Girls’ Soccer: With only one loss, Overlake’s defense of the Girls’ 1A State Championship is going to turn into a playoff battle. Currently sitting in second place in ECL Division I play, Sally Goodspeed’s squad is getting results from young players. Goalkeeper Jamison F. ’21 is a wall in front of the goal, and Sofia B. ’19 continues her unselfish play with a three goal and five assist week. The WIAA took notice and named her the Week 7’s Athlete of the Week! We need to see as many Owl fans in the stands on Tuesday afternoon when Seattle Academy puts their first place record on the line on our Senior Night. Game time is 3:30pm. It’s sure to be a classic!

Boys’ Tennis: Coach Jeff Loranger’s bunch have had a yo-yo season with some wins over impressive competition and some let downs. Starting the month with a dominating 5-0 win over rival Bear Creek, an undefeated University Prep team swept our Owls in their final regular season match. They enter Friday’s ECL tournament and Saturday’s District 2 tourney at Seattle’s Amy Yee Tennis Center with hopes of sending a doubles team or singles player into the state tournament next spring.

Wear your Green and Gold and join us. Go Owls!