By Fred Kroner
Ethan Merritt scored a hat trick and broke the single-season scoring record for the Oakwood/Salt Fork soccer team on Saturday (Oct. 14) in the semifinals of the Class 1A regional at St. Anne.
Merritt’s three goals in a 7-0 win over St. Anne raised his season totals to 34. Teammate Macen Phillips assisted on two goals and tied the program record for assists in a season, with 27.
Phillips shares a mark which Grant Powell set in 2022.
Other goal-scorers for Oakwood/Salt Fork were Saul Carrillo, Trevor McCall, Ty Smoot and Thomas Wells.
Derek Drews produced two assists. Contributing one assist apiece were Brody Taflinger and Wells.
Oakwood/Salt Fork held a 19-5 edge in total shots. Comets’ goalkeeper Jakob Rupp had three saves.
Oakwood/Salt Fork (16-7-1) faces St. Joseph-Ogden (16-7) in the championship match on Tuesday (Oct. 17) at 7 p.m. The Comets won the regular-season match between the programs, 5-1.
