The Oscoda Lady Owls opened their District Playoff season on Tuesday and it took just 46 seconds for the Owls to announce their intentions. Senior striker, Tricia McDonald, scored quickly to give Oscoda the lead and they never looked back. Oscoda went on to beat the Kalkaska Blue Blazers, 4-1.

McDonald netted her second of the match at the 33:58 minute mark and that was followed five minutes later by a Rushelle Sidebottom goal. Oscoda took a 3-0 lead into the halftime. "We were aided in the first half with a strong wind at our backs," commented Assistant Coach Tim Colborn. "We peppered the goal with 10 shots on net and several more that went just wide. Several of the shots came from the midway line with the wind helping."

Oscoda Goalkeeper, Nicole Jackson, only faced 2 shots in the first half. Kalkaska was able to mount a bit more pressure in the second half thanks to the wind. They did manage to score halfway through the second half on a Penalty Kick. Oscoda added an insurance goal with one minute left in the game when Senior Deanna Dykes scored her third of the year. Jackson made three more saves in the second half. Assists were earned by Kayla Young, Erika Nolff, Jodie Astrom and Dani Griffin.

Oscoda's stiffling defense was again led by Nolff with 13 steals and 10 intercepts. Katia Kotula pitched in 4 steals and 8 intercepts. McDonald stole 6 balls. Astrom and Aubrey Thurston each had 7 intercepts. Senior Margaret Negro was a wall in the center of the field, breaking up Kalkaska charges and banging the ball back to the Oscoda offense.

Coach Gary Schneider's squad is peaking at a good time of the year. They have won four straight matches, giving them a 9-7 overall record. Oscoda will travel to Roscommon on Thursday to face off with Grayling who drew a bye in the opening round. The game will start at 7:00pm. The winner will return to Roscommon on Saturday at 1:00pm to play for the District Championship.