Keeping its hopes alive for a second-consecutive trip to the state tournament, the South Whidbey High School soccer team slipped by Bush 2-1 on penalty kicks Tuesday, Oct. 30, in a loser-out match in the bi-district tournament at Sammamish High School.

The Falcons will need to win two more loser-out matches to advance to state. First, they play fifth-seeded Meridian at 4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 2, at Whatcom Community College.

The winner challenges fourth-seeded Seattle Academy for a state berth at 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3, at the Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila.

South Whidbey 2, Bush 1 (overtime, penalty kicks)

“Our players had to dig deep to win the game,” coach Terry Swanson said.

South Whidbey entered the bi-district tournament as the lowest seed, ninth. Regardless, the Falcons rose up to beat eighth-seeded Bush.

Bush dominated possession in the first half and scored midway through the period to go up 1-0.

“Bush players were beating us to the ball,” Swanson said. “At the half the our players were very emotional and intent on keeping this season going. They came out with intensity and took over possession of the second half.”

Kelly Murnane tied the match in the 52nd minute on a cross from Karyna Hezel and a pass from Kailey Rickets.

The score remained 1-1 through regulation and two overtime periods, sending the match to penalty kicks.

Falcons Alison Papritz, Murnane, Maddy Drye and Lila McCleary made South Whidbey’s first four penalty kicks, while keeper Nicole Helseth turned back two Bush shots to secure the victory.