Huskies’ Soccer Dominates, Settles for Split

Huskies girls and boys soccer dominated their games against Mankato West Thursday. That resulted in a 4-1 win for the girls, but a 2-1 loss for the OHS boys. On the girls side, the Huskies, Scarlets and Rochester Century all shared the Big Nine title last fall. For the boys, West returns several top players from a team that went to the state Class A tournament in 2019.

The girls opened their home season at the Lincoln Soccer Complex after dropping a tough 2-1 decision at Rochester Century Tuesday. West scored first but Owatonna answered with the final four goals as Hillary Haarstad, Abby Vetsch, Ari Shornock, and Ezra Oien all found the back of the net.

Owatonna (1-1) will play Mankato East at the Caswell Park Soccer Complex on Thursday, September 10 at 7 pm. The match will be carried on AM 1390 KRFO and the app.

The Huskies boys saw the Caswell Park complex for the first time Thursday and controlled play throughout but fell short 2-1 to the Scarlets in a match broadcast on AM 1390 KRFO. West goalkeeper Nick Lundberg, a returning All Conference player, was the star of the night.

Lundberg made several highlight reel saves including on a penalty kick by Owatonna late in the first half. OHS had several pointblank opportunities, but only got one past him. Lane Versteeg set up Zack Kirsch with a free kick pass to the far post that Kirsch headed in 15 minutes into the second half to level the match at 1-1.

West had scored on their own long pass and header midway through the first half. As the game appeared to be destined for overtime, West sprung a player for a breakaway goal with just over three minutes remaining. The striker seemed to be offside, but officials conferred and let the goal stand.

Huskies head coach Bob Waypa said afterward Owatonna had ample opportunities to score on their many chances and felt good about how the team played.

OHS (1-1) will host Mankato East Thursday, September 10 and then travel to three-time defending Big Nine champ Austin on Saturday, September 12 at 1 pm.

Owatonna's girls' tennis team improved to 3-0 on the season with a 6-1 victory over Austin Thursday. OHS swept singles with Olivia Herzog (6-0, 6-0), Megan Johnson (6-0, 6-2), Alex Huemoeller (6-3, 6-4), and Olivia McDermott (6-2, 6-0).

In doubles, Caitlynne Bussert/Cora Barrett (6-3, 6-0) and Alivia Schuster/Emma Herzog (6-3, 3-6, 6-3) won. Lauren Thamert/Klara Blacker (6-1, 6-1) took a loss at second doubles.

The Huskies cross country teams raced to victories over Rochester JM. The boys were perfect with the top five spots and ten of the top 11. The girls took eight of the top ten spots led by Carsyn Brady's 20:07.5 time.

Owatonna girls swimming hosted a virtual meet Thursday. Ella Mollenhauer swam a personal best in the 100 breaststroke, receiving special kudos from the OwatonnaLive.com streaming coverage.