Liz Berry scored two goals for the Blaine girls' soccer team, but it wasn't enough in a 3-2 non-conference loss at Sultan on Tuesday, Sept. 4.

It was the season opener for the Borderites.

"We're trying to work together ... kids' first-game jitters," Blaine coach Dan Steelquist said in a phone interview.

Berry gave Blaine a 1-0 lead with a goal in the sixth minute and later broke a 1-1 tie with a goal in the 26th minute. Sultan scored two goals in the last five minutes of the first half to take a 3-2 lead at halftime.

Blaine kept Sultan scoreless in the second half, and Steelquist credited the play of center backs Gretchen Kordas and Jessica Belding for keeping the Borderites close.

"Sultan could have had more goals than they did and those two girls were responsible for keeping the ball out of the net," Steelquist said. "I was pleased with the second half how the girls responded."

Blaine hosts Nooksack Valley on Thursday, Sept. 6.

SULTAN 3, BLAINE 2

Scoring: Goal: Liz Berry (Blaine), assist: Nicole Statham, time: 6:00; Goal: Taylor Gobel (Sultan), time: 21:00; Goal: Liz Berry (Blaine), time: 26:00; Goal: Siera Strauss (Sultan), time: 40:00; Goal: Siera Strauss (Sultan), time: 44:00. Shots on goal: Blaine: 5, Sultan: 10. Goalies (saves): Blaine: Anna Hewitt (7); Sultan: Valorie Meischae (3).