Tigers look to improve playoff position

Tonasket goalkeeper Cayla Monroe positions herself for a save during the Tigers' shutout of Chelan.

Tonasket goalkeeper Cayla Monroe positions herself for a save during the Tigers’ shutout of Chelan.

TONASKET – If Tonasket coach Darren Collins was concerned his team would let down after its thrilling shootout victory over Omak the previous weekend, the Tigers quickly put his concerns to rest.

Tonasket scored twice in the first five minutes of their Tuesday, Oct. 18, home game against Chelan and went on to defeat the Goats 4-0.

Bayle Tyus scored off a corner kick in the opening minute and Ashley Booker scored moments later off a combination pass from Kelly Cruz and Kathryn Cleman to give the Tigers a quick early lead.

Cleman and Cruz each scored in the second half as the Tigers outshot Chelan 21-7.

Cayla Monroe recorded the shutout in goal.

The Tigers picked up three points in the CTL race, again gaining on Omak, which fell 3-0 to Okanogan the same day. It also clinched a playoff spot for the Tigers, though Collins hopes his team can improve its seeding in the final weeks of the regular season.

“We need to get out of fifth place,” Collins said. “If we can get at least into fourth, then we can play Omak or Okanogan (in a district playoff) rather than (state-ranked) Cascade. That’s not a first round matchup that we want.”

Cascade 4, Tonasket 0

TONASKET – The Tigers couldn’t pull off the upset over the second place team in the CTL as they fell at home to Cascade (11-3, 6-2) on Saturday, Oct. 22, 4-0.

The Tigers (6-6-1, 3-5) face a crucial road contest Tuesday, Oct. 25, at Okanogan. A victory, combined with an Omak loss at Cascade, would lift Tonasket into fourth place in the CTL, a significant improvement in playoff seeding.