By Hub City Times staff

MARSHFIELD – For the first time in program history, the Marshfield Tigers girls soccer team has qualified for state competition.

The Tiger girls took on Onalaska on June 8 at Eau Claire Memorial in a Division 2 sectional championship, claiming a 2-1 win.

Marshfield started the scoring shortly after the six-minute mark.

“Nicole Simon got things off early as she took a pass from Nina Hashimoto and sailed a shot high over the goalies head for the early lead,” Head Coach Steve Lindner said. “The Tigers looked in control and it almost seemed too easy on the scoring so early.”

Onalaska, however, came back to match Marshfield with a goal at 12:28.

The game remained tied at halftime and during the second half, both teams had opportunities to score.

“At (the) 63rd minute Nicole Simon led Sophia Gruenling perfectly and Sophia turned and hit the back of the net for the game winner,” recalled Lindner.

Marshfield’s Ana Paape drives the ball during the June 8 sectional final game. Sumbitted photo.

Mikayla Brueggen had eight saves in goal as the Tigers out shot Onalaska 22-10.

“I cannot say enough about this team, first sectional final game and now a trip to state,” Lindner said “It was in our discussions early in the season with our goals, but to attain this is awesome. Nicole Simon has stepped up in the playoffs to another level with one goal and three assists in sectional play. She is all over and has really embraced the leadership role she does so well. Very vocal leader but one who puts her play out there every night.

“The entire team 1-23 is so key to our success this year, and they are a special group with enormous potential and so much was realized on the field (June 8).”

No. 4 Marshfield (14-7-2) will now face No. 1 Whitefish Bay (23-1) at Uihlein Soccer Park in Milwaukee on June 13 at 4:30 p.m. in state semi-final competition.