The Adna girls soccer team’s trip to the beach proved to be a bit of a tense one, but the Pirates squeaked out of Ilwaco with a win, 1-0 over the Fishermen in league play.
Playing with a few new faces in the lineup due to some starters being out sick, Adna took its time to settle into the game, and went into halftime still looking for a goal.
Early in the second half, freshman Bailey Naillon took it upon herself to change that, taking possession of the ball and weaving through defenders before putting it past the keeper for what ended up being the match’s only goal.
It wasn’t for lack of trying on the Pirates’ part; Adna flashed 24 shots at Ilwaco’s net, but with the one notable distinction, none had any luck finding the net.
“As we dominated the field more in the second half we were able to get more shots,” Adna coach Patrick Richardson said. “They just weren’t crisp and clean. We had probably four or five quality looks that could have changed the scoreline, but when you play with the other team instead of pouncing on them early, there can be a little complacency.”
The Pirates’ back line had no such complacency, snuffing out each and every one of the few Ilwaco chances at an attack. The Fishermen managed to snap off just three shots, all of which were saved.
“Our defense once again battled to keep us in the game, which was nice to see, having several girls out sick,” Richardson said.
Adna (12-1, 8-0 league) will host Forks on Wednesday for its senior night, before wrapping up the regular season Friday at Napavine.
