Peninsula Wins Convincingly 3-0 Over Spokane to Advance to NWAC Finals

Written by Thomas Rudolf

TUKWILA, Wash. - The Peninsula Pirates women's soccer team earned its spot in the 2024 NWAC Women's Soccer Championship game with a 3-0 victory over Spokane on Friday at Starfire Stadium.

The first half was filled with action and some high intensity pressing by both sides. Peninsula got the better end of the Sasquatch as in the 35th minute Karlee Whitehead was called for a handball in the penalty box which resulted in a penalty kick for the Pirates. The PK was calmly put away by Peninsula's Risa Nishida. Goalkeeper Kami Warden for Spokane had 5 saves in a busy first half.

The Pirates added two goals in the second half, first in the 58th minute on a header from Lauren Lases off of a beautiful rainbow pass from North Region MVP Shawna Larson. The next goal came just four minutes later off a cross from Lases to Rilee Leigh, who found the back corner of the net to give Peninsula a commanding 3-0 lead.

Peninsula outshot Spokane 18-12 for the match, but the Sasquatch put on late pressure to lead the second half 9-6. Warden and Peninsula keeper Alexandra Naill each finished with seven saves.

The Pirates advance to the NWAC Championship game as they will take on North Region rival Bellevue on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. at Starfire Stadium.