The Vashon girls varsity soccer team traveled to Kings High School in Shoreline last Tuesday, Nov. 6, for the first round of the state tournament. Vashon competed against Kings, who ended with a 9-1 league record, back in September during a non-league game resulting in a 5-1 defeat.

Last week, Vashon knew Kings would come out fast and eager to win, setting the tone for a highly anticipated game. The stadium was packed with enthusiastic fans; many travelled from the island, making the trek north to show their support. Kings is a strong passing team, with evident skill and speed displayed throughout the game. Vashon players gave it their all against a team with an equally strong offense and defense. Vashon maintained equitable possession of the ball as Kings for most of the first half, but it was clear Kings was relentless to score. Junior Sydnee Adams saved multiple attempts on goal as she continued filling in for injured keeper Tamsen Henry. Adams allowed only one in the net, off of a deflection, near the conclusion of the first half. Early in, sophomore Payton Venturi had a beautiful curved attempt on goal, lifting Vashon fans to their feet. Senior Anna Riggs found a few opportunities to set up shots too. Two direct free kicks came close to becoming goals. Riggs also fed a clean through ball to freshman Franki Brown, and another to senior Emily Serebryakov. Both looked promising but failed to find the back of the opponent’s net.

With a 0-1 deficit heading into the second half, Vashon emerged energized and hopeful to score. It quickly became apparent Kings was just getting warmed up. They managed to maintain control of the ball for a majority of the half, barely allowing Vashon’s offense past midfield. Vashons defensive line, freshman Phoebe Wilke, juniors Hannah Spranger, Ella Wheeler and seniors Emily Levin, with Maya Gould, at defensive center mid, intercepted several offensive drives toward goal. Eventually Kings got three more past Adams. Vashon never threw in the towel though, holding their heads high when Kings adult fans initiated a chant with minutes left on the clock, “We will win this game. We will win this game,” on repeat.

Best wishes to outgoing seniors Anna Riggs, Emily Levin, Maya Gould, Emily Serebryakov and Lelah Assink, you will be missed. See you on the pitch next year, Pirates.

— Karson Brown is the parent of a soccer player.

2018 Girls Soccer All Nisqually League Awards

• Vashon Island received the Sportsmanship Award.

• Freshman defender Phoebe Wilke and sophomore goalkeeper Tamsen Henry were named to Second Team All Nisqually League.

• Junior forward Sydnee Adams, senior center midfielder Anna Riggs and senior center midfielder Emily Serebryakov were all named to First Team All Nisqually League.

• Senior center midfielder Emily Serebryakov was named Co-offensive Player of the Year in the Nisqually League.

• Junior forward Sydnee Adams was named Nisqually League MVP with 18 goals scored and 8 assists in 13 games.