Everett advances to semis

Published 11:23 pm Saturday, November 15, 2008

EVERETT — The Everett Seagulls finally got over the hump — the hump that has been the Class 3A state quarterfinals.

After back-to-back quarterfinal losses — both to Seattle Prep — Everett advanced to the 3A state semifinals with a physical 3-1 victory against Union at Everett Memorial Stadium on Saturday.

Everett (18-2-1 overall) will play Kennedy at 2 p.m. Friday at Harry Lang Stadium in Lakewood.

“It feels great to get over the hump. The girls were really bound and determined. Now we have to go try our hands in the semifinals,” Everett head coach Kosta Pitharoulis said.

Senior Alysia Letourneau reiterated that “over the hump” feeling saying, “It feels great to finally get there. We finally got over that hump.”

Brittany McMullen’s goal in the 53rd minute proved to be the game-winner but it was Letourneau’s goal with five minutes, 30 seconds remaining that gave Everett the 3-1 lead and allowed the Seagulls to put the Titans away.

“I felt very relieved. It was important that we got (the goal) but it was also important that we kept (the pressure) up. I think it helped everyone emotionally to keep it together,” the senior midfielder said.

Captain Kylie Beeson scored the first goal of the game, receiving a pass from Annie Sittauer and shooting it past Union goalkeeper Taylor Applegate with 12 minutes remaining in the first half. Everett took a one-goal lead into halftime.

McMullen’s goal came on a rebound from a Sele Vance miss. Vance’s shot came from 25 yards out and hit the top cross bar — nearly missing the open net — before McMullen pushed it past Applegate.

Letourneau’s goal came on a Suzy Olsen assist and was Letourneau’s second of the postseason.

Much like they did in their opening round shootout victory over Lakeside (Seattle), the Titans (15-1-3) began to mount a comeback. Down 2-0 in its first-round game against Lakeside (Seattle), Union rallied back for two straight goals forcing overtime.

Union’s Ashley Hruby cut Everett’s lead to 2-1 with 15 minutes remaining in the game and the Titans continued to press the Seagulls defense, racking up two second-half yellow cards.

“It was physical on both ends. There seemed to be a lot of pulling and tugging with both teams. But this time of the year that’s what you kind of expect every game to be like,” Pitharoulis said.

Emily Nesting was in goal for Everett. The goalkeeper came up with a key save on a Union shot with 13 minutes remaining in the contest. She also stopped a Brina Sych shot 10 minutes into the second half, diving to her right for the save.

Everett’s potent offense — they won their opening round game against North Kitsap 7-1 — outshot Union 18-7 in the game.

Shorecrest 2, Olympic 1: at Shoreline, Thanks to Agen Heffernan, Shorecrest is guaranteed no worse than fourth place at state.

Heffernan scored the go-ahead goal in the 68th minute off an assist from Emily Adams, Erin Springer scored in the 27th minute and Shorecrest (16-5-2) took a 2-1 3A state quarterfinal victory over Olympic Saturday night at Shoreline Stadium. Caroline Towles started in goal for Shorecrest, and made a diving save in the 36th minute to preserve an early 1-0 lead.

Shorecrest advances to a matchup with the winner of Sammamish-Seattle Prep on November 21 at Harry Lang Stadium in Lakewood.