Oakwood/Salt Fork soccer wins Regional Championship

By Fred Kroner

The Oakwood/Salt Fork soccer program claimed its second regional championship ever on Tuesday (Oct. 17) with a 6-3 decision over St. Joseph-Ogden.

The first regional crown for the Comets was in 2016.

Ethan Merritt’s eighth hat trick of the season was a flour-goal performance that provided Oakwood/Salt Fork’s offense a lift. Thomas Wells and Ty Smoot hit the team’s other goals.

Smoot’s goal, in the first half, broke a 2-2 tie and lifted Oakwood/Salt Fork into the lead for good.

Macen Phillips and Brody Taflinger each contributed two assists. Wells had one assist.

Phillips now owns the school’s single-season record for assists with 29. Merritt has 38 goals, also a program season record.

The Comets held a 15-8 edge in total shots. Comet goalkeeper Jakob Rupp collected three saves.

Oakwood/Salt Fork (17-7-1) has won 13 of its last 14 matches and returns to action on Friday (Oct. 20) at 7 p.m. against Bloomington Central Catholic in a St. Anne Sectional semifinal match.

When the Comets and BCC played in the regular season, BCC recorded a 3-2 victory.