This story is sponsored by: The Marshfield Tiger Booster Club
MarshfieldAreaSports.com
MARSHFIELD – As per usual, when Rhinelander and Marshfield battle on the pitch it is going to be a tight one. Saturday’s WIAA Division 2 regional final was no different than many in the past.
Marshfield defeated Rhinelander with a goal in the final minute earlier this year, but this time the Hodags were able to eke out a win.
Following a scoreless 90 minutes of regulation, each team scored in overtime sending the game into a shootout, where Rhinelander won 2-0 as Marshfield missed on all four of its kicks.
Rhinelander (7-6-1) moves on to a sectional semifinal against either Sauk Prairie or Reedsburg on June 17. Marshfield ends its season 8-8.
Kat Matropolus scored 14 seconds into the first 10-minute overtime for Rhinelander and it looked like that would be enough until Marshfield connected on a miracle in the final second (singular).
As time wound down, Sophia Gruenling launched a pass to Kate Schilling, who quickly turned and shot, scoring with 1 second left in the second 10-minute OT.
Rhinelander scored on its second and fourth shots in the shootout, while Marshfield hit the crossbar three times and had another saved by Hodags’ goalkeeper Kahlie Arneson.
“It’s tough, especially for the seniors playing their last game as a Tiger,” Marshfield coach Steve Lindner said. “These ladies deserve a heck of a lot of credit during a tough season. We fought through injuries and threee games a week, and never quit.”
Seniors playing their last game for Marshfield were forwards Kate Schilling and Hannah Halle; midfielders Courtney Meyer, Abby Kilty and Bryssa Lenz; defenders Aly Dietsche, Becca Lossman, Claire Critelli, Savannah Braxton and Hailey Wipfli; and goalkeeper Clara Allar.
Hodags 1, Tigers 1 (2 OT)
Rhinelander 0 0 1 0 – 1
Marshfield 0 0 0 1 – 1
Rhinelander won shootout, 2-0.
First overtime: 1. R, Kat Matropolus, 90:14.
Second overtime: 2. M, Kate Schilling (Sophia Gruenling), 99:59.
Saves: R, Kahlie Arneson 10; M, Clara Allar 7.
Records: Rhinelander 7-6-1; Marshfield 8-8.