Behind five goals from Alison Papritz, the Falcons bounced back from Tuesday’s loss to throttle visiting Sultan 7-0 Thursday, Oct. 11.

All Papritz’s goals came in the first half, and three were tallied in the first 15 minutes.

Lila McCleary added a second-half goal, and in a fitting end to Senior Night, senior Carlie Newman scored her first career goal on a penalty kick with no time on the clock.

“Our players were very focused and intense during their warm-up, which transferred over to the game,” coach Terry Swanson said. “Alison Papritz (was) working well with her outside attacking midfielders, Makenna Wicher, Karyna Hezel and Samantha Ollis.

“Chandra Wallace played strong minutes as striker in the second half.

“Our interior midfield (Kelly Murnane, Kailey Ricketts, Maddy Drye and Lily Farnham) play was strong and provided strong support of our forwards and transition from our defense.”

One of South Whidbey’s strengths this year is its defense, which recorded it fifth shutout with the win over Sultan.

Swanson lauded the play of his back line of Mallory Drye, Sydney Ollis, Maddy Dry and McCleary.

“Goalkeeper, Juliana Larson was not tested much in the match, but has shown strong improvement with her distribution over the season since starting goalkeeper Nicole Helseth was injured,” Swanson said.

Ashton Helseth returned from an injury and played 50 minutes at centerback.

“We still have lots of soccer left to play, but each game becomes a little sadder for us coaches because it brings us closer to the final game coaching our seniors (Newman and Maddy Drye),” Swanson said.

The win over the Turks (1-7, 5-9) helped the Falcons move into a tie for second place with Granite Falls (5-3, 6–6-1).

South Whidbey (5-3, 7-5-1) plays at Coupeville (1-7, 2-10-1) at 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 15.