The Overlake girls soccer team made the most of their long journey south for Tuesday’s Class 1A state opener.

After a two-and-half hour, 150-mile drive from Redmond to Kalama High School, located just off I-5 east of the Columbia River, the Owls blanked Columbia (White Salmon), 1-0, in wet and windy conditions.

The Owls (14-6-1), making its third straight state appearance, advance to the quarterfinals and play at King’s (18-2) in Seattle at 5 p.m. on Friday, after the Reporter’s deadline. If the Owls win, they will earn a semifinal spot at Sunset Chevrolet Stadium in Sumner Nov. 21-22.

It is the Owls’ first quarterfinal berth since 2001, when the Owls lost to Cedar Park Christian, 1-0 in a shootout, in the title game.

In Tuesday’s big win, junior midfielder Allison Risa scored what proved to be the game-winner in the 35th minute, as both defenses gave up a minimal amount of opportunities in the harsh weather.

Goalkeeper Ceci Votta continued her torrid streak, shutting out the Owls’ fourth straight playoff opponent. In those four games, Overlake has outscored its opponents, 5-0.

SOCCER: Bear Creek girls eliminated

The Grizzlies’ girls soccer team came close to earning a Class 2B/1B state berth, but lost to Cedar Park Christian, 1-0, in a tri-district, winner-to-state, loser-out playoff game last Saturday at Sammamish High in Bellevue.

The Grizzlies’ fine season ended with a record of 8-8-1 overall. Bear Creek did particularly well in the Sea-Tac 2B league, finishing with a 5-2-1 record.

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