Originally published November 11, 2009 at 10:34 PM | Page modified November 12, 2009 at 12:46 AM

Prep Girls Soccer | Skyline slips past Tahoma 1-0 in shootout

Sophomore goalkeeper Tina Vargas made back-to-back diving saves in the shootout as the seventh-ranked Spartans advanced to the quarterfinals.

By Joshua Mayers

Special to The Seattle Times

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MAPLE VALLEY — Tina Vargas had nothing to do. Then she had the game in her hands.

Skyline's sophomore goalkeeper entered Wednesday night's game against No. 10 Tahoma as a second-half substitute, but barely touched the ball as the seventh-ranked Spartans of Sammamish dominated the attack.

When shot after shot by Skyline missed in a scoreless 90 minutes, the game went to a shootout, where Vargas made back-to-back diving saves to lead her team to a 1-0 win in the first round of the Class 4A state playoffs.

"I was so nervous, but I just knew I had to bring it," said Vargas of the penalty-kick tiebreaker.

Skyline won the shootout 3-1 on successful PK attempts by Maddie Christ, Michelle Bretl and Madi Barney, who made the clinching shot. Senior co-captain Jill Stika combined in the shutout with Vargas.

The defending state champion Spartans (15-4-0) play No. 12 Beamer (13-3-3) in the quarterfinals 2 p.m. Saturday at Federal Way Memorial Stadium.

Tuesday's other first-round matches "showed how difficult the competition in the state is," said Skyline coach Don Braman. "For us to get here is deserved, but fortunate."

Braman praised Vargas for her performance despite being a spectator for most of the second half and the two overtimes.

"She did nothing for 40 minutes, and then has to be the absolute best for us," he said. "We're very fortunate that we have Tina Vargas on our team."

Tahoma (14-3-2) had its state run end via shootout for the second straight year. Junior goalkeeper Amber Woolcock recorded the shutout for the Bears.

"It's a 50-50 chance at that point," said Tahoma coach Jason Johnson of the shootout. "Both teams worked hard and it was going to be heartbreak either way. Right now we're feeling the heartbreak, but I'm very proud of my girls."

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