4A SOCCER: Lewis-Palmer downs Fossil Ridge in OT

MONUMENT -- Kourtney Guetlein has been nursing some minor injuries, but when push came to shove the Lewis-Palmer freshman rose to the occasion.

Guetlein scored two goals in the Rangers' 3-2 come-from-behind overtime victory over Fossil Ridge in the second round of the 4A girls state soccer playoffs Saturday. Working the ball around charging SaberCat goalie Elke Zeuner she shot past two defenders 2:03 into the overtime for the win.

"I was just praying it would go in," she said.

Guetlein provided most of the offensive threats in L-P's second half rally. Her goal at 27:49 of the second half tied the game at 2-2 and a possible game winner with four seconds remaining in regulation sailed just over the crossbar. Sophomore Noelle Limbird assisted on both Guetlein goals.

The Rangers controlled much of the early tempo before a four-minute lapse at the midpoint of the first half. Put Fossil Ridge ahead. That's when SaberCat freshman Kalee Boehler found an opening in the left corner of the net at 22:03 and sophomore Kylee Willer placed a penalty kick in the upper right corner of the net at 18:43 for a 2-1 lead.

"We made two horrible mistakes that could have been our undoing," said coach Ian Wale. "We didn't panic."

Seniors Melissa Keegan and Maria Johnson teamed for the Rangers' first goal scoring off a scramble in front of the net with Keegan scoring at 29:49 to give L-P a 1-0 lead in the first half.

Throughout much of the contest, Lewis-Palmer would work the ball deep into Fossil Ridge territory, but was unable to set up scoring passes.

"The team as a whole tonight was excellent," said Wale.

"It was a team effort," added Guetlein.

Lewis-Palmer (15-1-1) will host Valor Christian (16-0) in the quarterfinals Wednesday.