Girls soccer season kicks off with two home games
Published 4:59 pm Wednesday, September 17, 2025
The VHS Girls’ Soccer season kicked off with two home games in the first week.
On Tuesday, Sept. 9, the Pirates faced the Gators from Annie Wright. The Gators finished third last year in the Nisqually League, just above Vashon in fourth. They also narrowly beat the Pirates in the district playoffs to advance to State. Both teams were fielding young players last season, so a close contest was expected again.
Vashon started the first half strong, maintaining possession and stringing together some good passes. They eventually created an opportunity for a shot within the box around the ninth minute, but sophomore Josie Reiling’s attempt went wide. Five minutes later, speedy freshman Lana Antonellis fired another shot from inside the box, but it was not on frame.
Annie Wright’s players gained some momentum towards the end of the first half. But thanks to junior and co-captain, Isa Knowler’s defensive footwork and skill, the Gators were unable to get a shot on target before the whistle blew.
There was a shift in intensity and urgency from the Gators in the second half, and they were able to get behind the Pirates defensive line within two minutes to score their first goal. Vashon struggled to regain possession, and Annie Wright scored again in the 61st minute with a shot coming from just outside the box.
The season opener was well attended, and fans doubled down on cheering the Pirates on to a comeback. Despite losing a few key players to injuries, Vashon managed to create multiple opportunities in the final ten minutes. One notable attempt came from sophomore, Olive Alpen, in the 76th minute, whose shot bent just a little beyond the top corner of the goal. Capitalizing on the renewed energy, junior and co-captain Lillith Provo, was able to bring the ball down the other side of the field, sending in a cross which landed right in front of the keeper.
As everyone scrambled for the ball, one of Annie Wright’s defenders inadvertently kicked it into the net, scoring an own goal. The Pirates had barely finished celebrating in the final minutes when the whistle blew. The 2-1 loss far bettered last season’s opener of a 7-0 loss against the same team.
Just two days later, the team was at it again, lining up against the Montesano Bulldogs on Thursday, September 11. The Bulldogs advanced to the first round of State last year after placing second in the Evergreen League.
Coaches often schedule out-of-league games early in the season to provide extra opportunities for the players. And although the result of the contest with the Bulldogs was a 4-0 loss for the Pirates, Coach April Bottman-Haase has a lot to celebrate and discuss with her team.
“The team started the fall season strong, with clear signs that many players put in significant work over the summer through our strength training and summer practices,” Bottman-Hasse said. “Varsity has picked up right where we left off last season and our focus on the attacking third is already showing results in games.”
Two of Montesano’s goals were preventable, and with some adjustments to the back line, players will be sure to be more disciplined in holding their positions in future games. Senior goalkeeper, Nya Hart, had some impressive saves, including one off a free kick awarded to Montesano after a questionable foul was called in the 25th minute.
Offensively, Vashon’s best chance came when Knowler fired a shot across the box that unfortunately went off the post in the 22nd minute. Additionally, the Pirates came into the second half down 3-0 and missing several players due to injuries occurring before and during the game. At one point, they only had ten players on the field while Provo received treatment. Despite this, the team maintained a positive attitude and focus until the end.
Coming off this first week, co-captains Knowler and Provo are optimistic about the season.
“Our players have lots of enthusiasm and have been working hard on the attacking third during practice. It is only the beginning of the season, but the team has improved so much since the start, especially with the help from our great coaches,” said Provo.
“We are going to keep getting better, and this is going to be a great season,” co-captain Knowler said.
The next home game (after press time) is at 5:15 p.m. Tuesday, September 16, against the East Jefferson Rivals. The team will travel to Klahowya High School on Sept. 18, and Cascade Christian High School on Sept. 20.
Bottom-Haase is confident that girls’ soccer will gain strength throughout the season, and indeed, in the coming years.
“Our small but growing JV team will play a key role in developing a fluid program, inviting new players to the game of soccer, and ensuring continuity as players graduate,” she said. “I am excited for a season led by focused, determined athletes and supported by a deep, committed coaching staff.”
Find out more and follow the team and other VHS sports at govashonpriates.com.
Jenni Wilke is an educator who covers girls soccer and other subjects for The Beachcomber.
