At 18-0-0 and outscoring opponents 103-8 through an unbeaten season, the Seton Catholic girls soccer team knows there’s still more work to be done.
How much? Junior GG Lougen explains how it all starts within.
“Just keep working hard and focus on working as a team,” the midfielder and defender said. “Even though there’s going to be pressure on us, we need to play through that.”
It’s pressure that’s been a privilege well-earned for the Cougars. Thursday’s 4-0 shutout of 1A Evergreen Conference co-champion Elma puts Seton Catholic back in the Class 1A state playoffs for a third straight year. With a 1A state berth in hand, it looks ahead to Saturday’s district title match against Montesano at King’s Way Christian High School in what continues to be a history-making season. Game time is 11 a.m.
A week ago, the program won its first-ever outright Trico League title after being co-champions with La Center in 2023. Now, the Cougars can take another step forward by winning their first district title. Montesano, the 1A Evergreen’s other co-champion, topped King’s Way, 3-1, in Thursday’s other semifinal.
Win or lose Saturday, Seton is expected to host a first-round state playoff game next week. But first, the Cougars are seeking another first: capturing a district title.
“We’re ready to play in the district title game,” senior goalkeeper Hailey Hammerstrom said. “We’re ready to take the win and head off to state.”
On Thursday at its home field, Seton Catholic’s 2-0 halftime lead on goals from Jessica Barrett (PK) and Lilah Chase quickly grew to 4-0 the opening eight minutes of the second half. Chase’s second goal from 10 yards struck the back left of the net, and 4 minutes later, CJ Moore’s chip shot past Elma goalkeeper Mylee Hull (10 saves) extended the Seton lead to 4-0 at the 48th minute.
That was plenty to work with for Seton’s defense. It posted its 11th shutout in 18 matches by limiting the Eagles’ (10-6-3) opportunities and holding Beta Valentine and Valerie Echeverria in check. Seton held a 13-2 advantage in shots on goal.
Head coach Antonio Buckley said postgame how pleased he was of the Cougars’ efforts on Valentine, the Eagles’ 100-plus-goal scorer. Valentine scored her 105th career goal to open districts Tuesday to become Elma’s all-time leader in career goals, boys or girls, according to The (Aberdeen) Daily World.
Hammerstrom talked about how extra film study ahead of Thursday went into one of the team’s best defensive performances of the season. But like it has all season, the chemistry and communication of the backline remains top notch, Hammerstrom said. She finished with two saves Thursday.
“That’s our biggest quality back there,” she said. We can put the ball in the back of the net, but we have to stop other teams.
“We layered up on them (on Elma) and played really disciplined.
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SETON CATHOLIC 4, ELMA 0
Seton Catholic
Goals (assists): Jessica Barrett (PK), Lilah Chase (unassisted), Chase (CJ Moore), Moore (Hailey Herboth)
Goalkeeper saves: Hailey Hammerstrom, 2.
Halftime: 2-0
