By KELLY MCEACHERN
For The Beachcomber

The Vashon High School girls soccer team split a pair of games last week, defeating Bellevue Christian 4-1 and falling to Seattle Christian 5-1.

Bellevue’s Vikings put up a good fight on Tuesday night but were done in by Vashon’s excellent finishing and overall quality.

The Pirates led off with a fabulous header goal by Katherine Andrus from a cross by Ana Deguzman. The beauty of the goal was further accentuated by its rarity, as it was only the second score by header for the team all year. As has often been the case with the Pirates this year, the next goal featured the same two players; this time it was Ana Deguzman finishing an assist from Andrus, and the Pirates led 2-0.

Halftime did not stop Andrus from continuing her excellent play. Chasing down a ball in the corner, she garnered another assist on a cross to Lliralyn McEachern, who wrinkled the net for her 19th goal of the season.

After allowing a Bellevue goal, the Vashon girls finished the scoring when Mira Jewell-Peterson caught up to a pass from Madelyn McEachern for the 4-1 final.

The Thursday night match held few highlights for the Pirates as they faced the league’s second place team in Seattle Christian.

The Warriors displayed their ability at both ends of the pitch, keeping the potent Pirate offense from mustering many chances while accumulating an impressive number of shots on goal for themselves.

The 1-0 halftime score held a glimmer of hope for the hard working Vashon girls and reflected their all-out defensive effort.

The second half was not as kind, however, and Seattle Christian slowly pulled away with their speed and passing acumen. Vashon managed a fine second-half goal by Camille Deguzman, who placed a curling left footer past the Warrior keeper, assisted by Jewell-Peterson. Seattle finished the scoring minutes later, and it was 5-1 at the final whistle.

The Pirates complete the regular season this week with their final home game against undefeated league leader Eatonville on senior night Tuesday (after press time) and at Chimicum Thursday. The Vashon squad sits in third place in the Nisqually league at 8-3-3 entering the week.

Vashon is assured a spot in the Tri-District playoff bracket as either the third or fourth seed, awaiting the results of current fourth place Cedar Park’s final two games.

— Kelly McEachern is the father of  two Vashon soccer players.