Girls Soccer Playoff Action Begins

Wes Vork-NSO

Oct 15

Wes Vork-NSO

Instead of being in the midst of a first round
Section 7A soccer game against North Lakes Academy,
Thursday afternoon found the Cloquet girls soccer team on the field at Hilltop Park in Cloquet practicing.

The reason there was no game? North Lakes Academy had to forfeit due to an insufficient number of players.

Minnesota State High School League web site indicates that North Lakes Academy is in Forest Lake. The tiny school has an enrollment of just 56 students in grades 9-12. According to information provided to NSO, North Lakes Academy had a flu bug hit the team leaving just 8 players healthy enough to play in the game against the Jacks.

The forfeit win moves the Jacks into the second round of playoffs on Saturday at 1pm. The Lumberjacks will host the winner of Hibbing and Zimmerman.

In an earlier game, Esko/Carlton defeated Eveleth/Gilbert 18-0 at Les Knuti field in Esko. The Eskomos were able to use their entire bench, with 12 different players scoring goals.

Amanda Bergstedt scored four goals and Kate Marquis netted three for the Eskomos. Senior stopper, Hope Anderson played a portion of the game at forward and picked up her first varsity goal. Sophomore defender Kate Shelerud also scored her first varsity goal in the first round win.

With the win, Esko/Carlton advances and will host the winner of the Two Harbors vs. Marshall game on Saturday.

Wes Vork can be reached at wes@northlandsportsonline.com