EUGENE, Ore. — Peninsula College, the nation’s 12th-ranked junior college women’s soccer team, opened NWAACC play with a 3-1 victory over Lane Community College on Tuesday.
Pirate sophomore Bri Afoa, the 2012 NWAACC Baden Player of the Year, scored the first goal of the conference season for the Pirates just 15 minutes into the match, beating two Titan defenders off the dribble and then booting it past Lane goalkeeper Samantha Schoene.
The Pirates then made it 2-0 on a laser by freshman Katelyn Raatz from about 30 yards out. Raatz’s goal was assisted by Alyssa Bertuleit. Both players hail from Sparks, Nev.
The Titans got on the scoreboard with a bomb from way out by Maddi Barton, but the Pirates did not allow them back in the match, tallying an insurance goal in the 70th minute by sophomore team captain Annie Armstrong. Her goal was assisted by Afoa.
“We were creative in the attack and we played tough defensively,” coach Kanyon Anderson said.
“We played well enough to win and to feel good about it, but we know we need to improve.”
Emily Flinn and Kasie Lough split time at goalkeeper for the Pirates.
Lane’s keeper Shoene was peppered by the Pirates’ front line and midfield, finishing the day with 15 saves.