The Owls advanced to the District Final on Thursday night, knocking Grayling out of the tournament, 1-0. The two squads played 80 minutes without either team scoring. They played 2 five minute overtimes without a score and then moved into the dreaded shootout where the Owls won when Aubrey Thurston and Dani Griffin each converted their shots. Goalkeeper Nicole Jackson stopped four of the five penalty stripe shots she faced. The Owls earned the right to face an old foe, Tawas, for the District Championship. The match will be held in Roscommon on Saturday at 1:00pm.

The Owls had plenty of chances to win in regulation. Oscoda outshot Grayling, 24-4. The Viking goalkeeper came up very big and made some wonderful stops. Jackson was tested three times in the first half and then didn't see another shot until the second overtime period.

"We had total control of the match. It was ours to win," was Coach Gary Schneider's reaction. "Our defense was strong throughout the match. Aubrey and Erika patrolled the middle of the field and were involved in almost every play."

Nolff had 16 steals and 9 intercepts to lead the Owls. Katia Kotula added 14 intercepts and Jodie Astrom had 9. Margaret Negro was a force in the back and routinely forced the ball back upfield to the offense. Negro finished with 7 intercepts.

In the shootout, Jackson knocked down two shots and batted another over the net. "Nicole did a wonderful job for us", commented Schneider.

The Lady Owls raised their record to 10-7 on the year.