Lady Dawgs’ state run ends with soccer playoff loss

Halloween brought no treats for the 16th-ranked Creswell Lady Bulldogs’, as their run at the OSAA 3A/2A/1A Girls’ Soccer State Championships — and their season — ended on Oct. 31 with a 0-8 shutout loss to top-ranked Catlin Gabel in their first-round state playoff game.
“It was awesome making it to the state tournament,” said Creswell Head Coach Janelle Sailer. “Even though we lost, it was a great experience and an awesome opportunity.”
While the Lady Dawgs fought hard the entire game, their opponents clearly demonstrated why they were rated the state’s best 3A/2A/1A team, keeping the ball on Creswell’s side of the field much of the time and pelting the goal with shots.
“I was very proud of the girls and the heart they gave during the game,” Sailer said. “Catlin Gabel was a very strong team and our girls had to work hard. Our defense especially had to be tough. They never gave up and played their best.”
Creswell goalkeeper Tabetha Donovan had at least 20 saves in the game.
After besting Pleasant Hill 3-1 in a Special District 3 playoff game, the Lady Dawgs had gone to state as the district’s second seed. As district champion, Santiam Christian earned first seed. The eighth-ranked Eagles were also eliminated after falling 0-1 to ninth-ranked Riverdale in their own state playoff game.
Despite their own state playoff loss, coach and players alike are ending their season on a high note. Before the game, “I told them before the game, no matter what happened in the game, to have fun — to enjoy this game on this beautiful field and have fun playing with their teammates,” Sailer said. “We had a great season overall and I am very proud of each and every one of them.”