All it took was one goal, but the Soldotna boys soccer team is headed to State for the first time in four years. The Stars did it by beating Homer 1-0 in the third-place game at the Northern Lights Conference tournament Saturday at the Kenai Soccer Complex.
“It was definitely a goal for us at the beginning of the season, and we definitely played two tough teams the last two games, with Wasilla and Homer back to back,” Soldotna Coach Jeff Siemers said. “We give a lot of credit to Homer, they created a lot of good opportunities, and Kayne had a great day in goal.”

Almost two weeks after the scheduled start, the Homer Mariner baseball team opened their season. Sunny skies, warm temperatures and a beautiful field in Kenai set the stage for a winning afternoon and evening.

Pitcher Zach Haning scattered seven hits and gave up only one run, leading the Homer Mariners to a 4-1 victory over the Kenai Kardinals on May 8.  Haning struck out seven Kenai batters and gave up only one walk in a strong complete-game pitching performance in the Mariners’ first game of the season. 

The Mariner boys and girls soccer teams ended the regular season with back-to-back home games of mixed emotions. Friday’s senior night honored 10 graduating players, while the team honored themselves with wins against Palmer.

Lady Mariners 1; Moose 0
Colony 3; Mariners 0

The Lady Mariners won 1-0 against the Moose making it goalkeeper Zoia Basargin’s first shutout game.

The Mariners finally got out on the diamond for a game on Wednesday in Kenai, and beat the Kardinals 4-1 to start their official baseball season.
Brian Rowe came up big by boing 4-for-4, followed by Tommy Bowe going 2-for-2 and Lucas Schneider going 2-for-3.
Kenai’s lone run came in the fourth inning when Ethan Oliver scored on a double from Dallas Pierren.
“(Kenai coach) John Kennedy always puts together a team that is fundamentally sound, but we played great defense and had great pitching from Zach Haning,” Homer Coach Lary Kuhns said.