Clark's in right place for South.

Byline: Jeff Smith The Register-Guard

Lucky or not, South Eugene will gladly take its 1-0 victory over sixth-ranked Tualatin and move on to the third round of the OSAA Class 4A girls soccer playoffs.

"I tell the team that there's a lot of luck in soccer, but you create your own luck," Axemen coach Mahlon Findtner said. "We created that opportunity by pressuring the defense and had a person in the right position."

GIRLS SOCCER

That person was senior Whitney Clark, whose point-blank goal from 10 yards out into the open net in the 18th minute proved to be the game-winner on a chilly night at South Eugene High School.

Clark took advantage of a miscommunication in the Timberwolves' defense when she picked off a pass from a defender that was intended for goalie Britney Brokaw, who wasn't expecting it.

"I was kind of surprised, but I was glad I was there," Clark said. "The goalkeeper got kind of confused. You just want to make sure you get the easy ones in. A goal's a goal."

The fortunate break was all South Eugene needed to get past Tualatin, the third seed out of the Pac-9 Conference, and earn a home date against Centennial on Tuesday. Centennial, the No. 3 team out of the Mount Hood Conference, advanced to the third round after upsetting Intermountain Conference champion Bend 3-2.

"This win gives us tons of confidence," Findtner said. "As a young team, we're learning from every one of these games."

Aside from the one mishap, both teams' goalkeepers performed admirably.

Brokaw, a first-team all-league goalie in the Pac-9, kept her team in the game, while South Eugene's Jesslyn Rahm recorded seven saves for her 13th shutout in 15 games.

"Jesslyn was awesome," Clark said. "She always gives it 100 percent and always brings it in the big games."

The last "big game" that the Axemen played in was a disappointing 4-1 loss to Midwestern League champion Sheldon. It's a loss that still eats at Clark, who then uses it to fuel her fire for the playoffs.

"It's really motivating, and we've worked so hard ever since then," Clark said. "This is a big win for us."

Class 3A/2A/1A

Pleasant Hill 2, Wilsonville 0

WILSONVILLE - The Billies scored two first-half goals and shut Wilsonville's offense down to get the first-round win.

Rochelle Townley scored in the 21st minute off an assist from Audra Bruington. Ashley Bruington then scored in the 35th minute with an assist from Ashley Long.

Alyssa Price got the shutout with seven saves for Pleasant Hill, which will travel to Glide for a second-round match Tuesday.

Sisters 6, South Umpqua 1

SISTERS - Maren Burck had a hat trick and Krista Pagano added two goals to lead the Outlaws (10-3-2 overall).

The win sends Sisters to defending champion Catlin Gabel on Tuesday. The Outlaws, making their first playoff appearance, enjoyed a 27-4 shot advantage.

Tess Banful scored the Lancers' only goal in the 53rd minute.