The East Jefferson Rivals girls’ soccer team narrowly lost to the Annie Wright Gators in an Oct. 28 playoff game.
East Jefferson seized an early lead on the …
This item is available in full to subscribers.
We have recently launched a new and improved website. To continue reading, you will need to either log into your subscriber account, or purchase a new subscription.
If you had an active account on our previous website, then you have an account here. Simply reset your password to regain access to your account.
If you did not have an account on our previous website, but are a current print subscriber, click here to set up your website account.
Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing.
* Having trouble? Call our circulation department at 360-385-2900, or email our support.
Please log in to continue |
|
The East Jefferson Rivals girls’ soccer team narrowly lost to the Annie Wright Gators in an Oct. 28 playoff game.
East Jefferson seized an early lead on the strength of two quick goals scored by senior Iris Mattern.
But the Gators responded with three unanswered goals to win 3-2, eliminating the Rivals from the playoffs.
Senior Ava Shiflett said the game “started great, but I think we got too confident, because we were up 2-0, so we just let our guard down,” and Annie Wright “quickly overtook us by scoring three points and winning the game.”
East Jefferson Rivals Coach Rob Cantley added, “With 20 minutes to go, we piled on the pressure, but couldn't find the tying goal, despite getting close on several occasions.”
Rivals sophomore Rylee Jo Spainhower-Oas said, “Overall, we played a great final game. Everyone was in the right mindset.”
The Rivals played the Gators twice in the regular season; a 3-3 tie in the season opener on Sept. 8, and a 3-2 loss on Oct. 5.
Consequently, Spainhower-Oas said, “We knew how Annie Wright plays.”
She added, “Offensively, we could’ve played the ball better, and there’s definitely coachable moments that could be fixed.”
The Rivals finished the season 3-8-1 in conference play, and 3-11-1 overall.
“The overall season was very good,” Shiflett said. “We all worked together well and fought hard.”
Spainhower-Oas added, “This was my first year playing, but I’ve learned that this soccer team is very inclusive, and feels like a real family. You hear many coaches say that, but normally, that's never true; everyone’s talking about each other and whatnot. But this team is a true family.”
Cantley said, “We have a really young team, but we are losing some important seniors, so next year will be a rebuilding year.”
Rivals win Nisqually League honors
Nisqually League coaches recognized several East Jefferson athletes for their excellence.
Rivals co-captain Iris Mattern, a senior at Port Townsend High School, was named the Nisqually League’s Most Valuable Player. She scored 12 goals, and had 5 assists over the season.
Ava Shiflett of Chimacum High School, the Rivals’ other co-captain, earned Nisqually All League First Team honors for the third straight year. She scored 6 goals, and had 7 assists this season.
Senior Amada Lanphear Ramirez won Second Team honors, while freshman Teri Wiley received Honorable Mention. Both attend Port Townsend High School.
