After a two overtime, penalty shootout win over Rock Bridge in the Class 3 semifinal game, the Tigers took a 2-0 loss in Saturday’s state final game against De Smet.

De Smet scored both their two goals in the first half. The first goal was scored by De Smet’s captain, Louis Berra (12). The second goal came off a corner kick which was then headed in by Scott Ladi (12). The Tigers played the first half with the wind blowing directly against them, and although they challenged De Smet in the second half with a couple shots on goal, they weren’t able to put any in.

Four year varsity starter, and captain Zach Klipsch (12) said this year was by far the best of his career here at OHS. Not only did the Tigers advance the farthest during his stint here, but the team chemistry and camaraderie was better than past years.

“Even though we got second place, I’ll never forget this year or the guys on this team,” Klipsch said.

The Tigers finished the season with a 20-8-1 record, improving from 18 wins and 11 losses a year ago. They rattled off seven straight wins at one point in the season, and had another winning streak of six. Above all, the battled adversity coming in form of terrible weather, tough losses, and hard fought games and came out on top time and time again. Although the Tigers took home second place, this group brought OHS soccer to a place they haven’t been since 2001. That year’s team also took home second place in state.

“We were an incredibly resilient team all year long. We bounced back from some tough losses. That just shows the character of these guys,” Klipsch said.

Although the concept of a “team” was emphasized repeatedly throughout this year, the Tigers did have certain players stand out statistically. Jared Swierk (12) was the leading scorer with 21 goals, Alex Dieckmann (11) led the team in assists with 11, and goalkeeper Alec McChesney (12) had a 14-4 record in goal, and recorded eight solo shutouts, nine overall.

“This was a great way to sum up my senior season,” Swierk said, “I’m not disappointed because we have a lot to be proud of.”