RIDGEFIELD — One year after its best finish in the state girls soccer playoffs, Ridgefield is headed back for more.
The Spudders clinched a berth in the Class 2A state playoffs Tuesday with a 4-0 win over Tumwater in a District 4 semifinal match at Ridgefield High School.
Ridgefield (13-2-2) will host the district championship match at 7 p.m. Thursday against Hockinson. The 2A Greater St. Helens League rivals split two matches this season.
Tumwater (8-7-2) must win two loser-out games to reach state, starting Thursday against Woodland.
For 14 returners from the team that placed third in state last year, playoff soccer is when the fun really begins.
“There’s a different feeling to it,” senior forward Madison Ochoa said. “It’s an adrenaline rush. Every single game, I feel like it goes by so fast. Even though it’s intense, it’s so much fun.”
Ochoa got the scoring started midway through the first half when she got her foot to the ball during a goalmouth scrum.
Hailey Harris doubled the lead 10 minutes later. The sophomore leapt high to head a Kara Klaus cross into the upper corner of the goal.
That was more than enough cushion for Ridgefield. The Spudders dominated possession as Erin Siegel and Kelly Casper controlled the midfield.
Taryn Ries continually weaved her way through the Tumwater defense, eventually earning two assists. Brittanie Hoang’s speed on the wing created openings.
Siegel and Klaus added second-half goals as Ridgefield kept the pressure on throughout the match.
It was the kind of dominating performance you’d expect from a team that has set its sights on a top finish in the state.
How long has Ridgefield been looking forward to returning to the playoffs?
“Since before Day One,” Siegel said. “It sets the bar for what we look forward to and strive for each day.”
Ridgefield hopes to use the experience from last year’s state tournament during this year’s journey. Last year, the Spudders won the district title and outscored its state tournament opponents 11-2. The only blemish was a 3-2 semifinal loss to Shorecrest.
“It taught us leadership,” Siegel said. “It showed us how when certain players step up it can really change everything.”
RIDGEFIELD 4, TUMWATER 0
Tumwater
Goalkeeper saves – Sara Thompson 8.
Ridgefield
Goals (assists) – Madison Ochoa (unassisted), Hailey Harris (Kara Klaus), Erin Siegel (Taryn Ries), Klaus (Ries). Goalkeeper saves – Sarah Kaufman 2.
Halftime – 2-0.
