By Chuck Reherman
Sports Editor
Since an 0-2 start, Yukon has been on a mission.
And it has carried the Millerettes to seven straight wins and to the top of the District 6A-1 race.
Myka Heimbach’s goal in the final 32 seconds of overtime continued that streak with a 2-1 win over Edmond Deer Creek Tuesday night at Miller Stadium.
The Millerettes, 7-2, are 2-0 in the district race, tied with Putnam City North and Westmoore for the top spot. YHS played PC North late Friday, but doesn’t meet the Lady Jaguars until the season finale on April 19.
The Millerettes controlled possession of the match most of the night, but didn’t take the initial lead until the 73rd minute. Deer Creek turned around and scored in the 75th minute that sent the match to the extra period.
“That was a big one, it one we have not gotten in the last couple of years,” Millerette head coach Steve Scott said. “Just like last year when we picked up a couple of games against the Edmond Norths and Norman Norths. It’s about the program and the turnaround and facing what is in front of us and getting after it.
“Starting with last year’s group and being able to carry on doing things that haven’t been done in awhile is big,” he said. “Deer Creek is one that has had our number, we knew it was going to be tough. That is a good team, they have won only one game, but they are a good team. They have been in one goal games, shoot-outs or overtime in every game. They had another tonight with us. I told the girls there was nothing wrong with they way we played. A little thing here or there that we were out of shape, played the wrong ball or a bad touch or we didn’t communicate enough, but overall the play was good. They played hard and played good overall.”
After giving up the goal with just over five minutes remaining, the Millerettes had a chance to win in regulation time as Heimbach had a scoring chance in the 76th minute. But, her shot was deflected over the back line to a corner try.
On the corner, Deer Creek was able to clear the ball away.
YHS controlled the pace in overtime and had three chances to score in the first seven minutes that were turned away.
In the final minute of overtime. Heimbach took a pass and got behind the defense to set up a one-on-one with the keeper and easily beat her to score the winning goal with 32 seconds remaining.
“I can’t say it enough about Myka and her leadership and ability,” Scott said. “She said I can’t score the goals without my teammates. She gives credit to her teammates, she it that type of player.
“She puts her team before her and it gives her the opportunity to do the things she does, because she does let them know they are important and are a part of the process,” he said.
“She is a very selfless player and her teammates respond to that.”
The Millerettes had chances to take the lead through out the first half and into the second. But, YHS didn’t get that goal until the 72:35 mark on a corner kick. The ball sailed into the box and Heimbach got her foot on the ball and sent it into the net.
Deer Creek, who had chances in the second half after Millerette penalties set up free kicks, scored the equalizer at the 74:51 mark on a shot from McKenna Dunlap.
“We told this group that they are good and they need to own it,” Scott said. “Anytime you step on the field you are going to be one of the best teams on that field. We are No. 6 in the state right now and only one team in front of them is from the west.”
