Sports - Sports News

POSTED: Wednesday, Nov. 04, 2009

PREP GIRLS' SOCCER: Trojans' season ends

MOUNT VERNON - Standout sophomore midfielder Randi Donahue is enthusiastic over the potential of Meridian's girls' soccer program, but coach Aaron Jacoby wanted to make sure the seniors he spent four years working with weren't forgotten.

The high school careers of only two Meridian starters on Wednesday, Nov. 4, ended with a 4-0 loss to Vashon in the opening round of the Class 1A Tri-District Tournament at Mount Vernon High School.

"I love those seniors and what they've given us," said Jacoby, who completed his second season as head coach. "They were freshmen when I began as an assistant here."

Indeed, seniors Alexis Wolf and Heather Edgley helped provide stability after what could have been a psychologically devastating first eight minutes. Another senior regular, Stephanie Swartz, was sidelined with an injury.

The Trojans (4-16), with only starters Alicia Wolf and Whitney Mason representing their junior class, opened with seven freshmen and sophomores for their fifth game in 10 days.

Vashon (12-5), which has 10 seniors, shocked the Trojans by scoring in the sixth and eighth minutes when corner kicks bounced off Meridian defenders in crowd scenes. The goals were credited to Anna Jones and Carlyle Scott.

It must have been mentally tough for the Trojans, but Jacoby was proud how Meridian then held the potent Pirates scoreless until giving up two goals in the final six minutes. Sophomore goalkeeper Chance Appel made eight saves as the Trojans were outshot 20-10.

"I think we're going to be pretty good next year," said Donahue. "We also have some really good freshmen coming in next season. This was a growing year for us."

The Trojans took their lumps with a 2-14 regular-season record, but Donahue said she liked the opportunity to test her skills against mostly Class 2A and 3A players in the Northwest Conference.

"It's a challenge," she said. "I got to play against 10 of my Ranger teammates (on the outstanding Whatcom FC Rangers U16 team), and that was fun."

Vashon keeper Sophie Nespor, a sophomore, did a poised job of denying goals on power shots by Wolfe in the first half and sophomore Hannah Belanger in the second half. Belanger, who finished with 15 goals, was closely marked and had few good opportunities.

The Trojans, who went 2-2 against Class 1A tournament competition, made Jacoby proud by not giving up.

"Take away those first (eight) minutes, and we're in it," he said. "Chance Appel played pretty well in goal. It was tough losing a dozen seniors last year, but there's a lot of excitement about our future and the players coming in. We have great kids.""

Vashon must win another game to be assured of a state tournament spot, against either Charles Wright or Overlake on Friday, Nov. 6, at King's.

VASHON 4, MERIDIAN 0

Scoring: Goal: Anna Jones; time: 6:00; Goal: Carlyle Scott; time: 8;00; Goal: Teal Sigler, time: 74:00; Goal: Catherene Amick; assist: Sigler; time: 79:00. Shots on goal: Vashon 20, Meridian 10. Goalies (saves): Vashon: Sophie Nespor (3); Meridian: Chance Appel (8).