EVERETT — The Jackson girls soccer team is one of just four teams remaining in the Class 4A state tournament after securing its fourth straight victory, a 2-0 win over South Kitsap in a quarterfinal game Saturday at Everett Memorial Stadium.
“It was a building year,” Jackson coach Jesslyn Kellerman said. “I think each game and each week we got better and we are playing the way we want to play just at the right time.”
Junior midfielder Kristina Serres broke open a scoreless tie in the 27th minute with a breakaway goal. It was one of several chances on the night for Jackson, which recorded 10 shots, six of which were on goal.
“I was really nervous because I haven’t had the best season scoring-wise this year and I’ve been in a little bit of a drought lately,” Serres said. “But I just knew that I really needed that for a confidence booster and to get my team pumped up. When it went in, it was unreal.”
Freshman forward Jadyn Edwards gave the Timberwolves an insurance goal in the 45th minute when she headed home a short corner cross from senior defender Olivia Carter.
Jackson controlled the pace of play for the remainder of the second half to secure its 11th shutout of the season. Senior goalkeeper Callie Vanaelst recorded seven saves.
Vanaelst was put to the test in the opening minutes of the second half, when she made saves on back-to-back shots before Edwards put the Timberwolves up 2-0.
“Callie played huge,” Kellerman said. “She took away at least a couple goals today. She played well, our defense did a really good job crashing the box when she made a save, there was nothing for them to finish up on.”
Jackson plays Skyline in the semifinals at 7 p.m. Friday at Sparks Stadium in Puyallup. Skyline defeated Jackson 4-0 in the opening game of the season.
At Everett Memorial Stadium
Goals—Kristina Serres (J), Jadyn Edwards (J). Assists—Olivia Carter (J). Goalkeepers—South Kitsap: Elisa Randel. Jackson: Callie Vanaelst. Records—South Kitsap 13-3-0. Jackson 15-4-1.
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