By Gerardo Bolong

TACOMA - Constant pressure from Sequim cut off Highline from further girls soccer matches this season in a 5-2 loser out game win of the 2018 West Central District III 2A tournament held on Sat., Oct. 27, at Franklin Pierce High School. HHS closed out its season at 10-9-1. “It was just a bridge too far,” said Pirate head coach Luke Benedum. “They kept the pressure on us the whole game. I’m proud how the girls came back and it shows how they improved throughout the season.” Sequim opened up play with a high influx of energy before Highline briefly took back some initiative. In the fourth minute, Wolves forward Jessica Dietzman deposited a goal for Sequim. Overpowering offense produced quick sideline runs plus shot after shot until the blistering offense resulted in an Abby Schroeder goal in minute 14. By the 26th minute of play, the Pirates finally materialized in full attack mode with energized outside and middle motion, although unable to score by the halftime intermission. Sequim started the second half in pressure formations, but HHS junior Nadia Osborn left footed a shot into goal to narrow the Pirate deficit to 2-1 in the 45th minute. The Pirates increased their offensive dynamite on the strength of good passing combinations and Osborn scored her daily double goal in the 63rd minute for a 2-all standoff. The effort expended took its toll, however, and the Wolves began prowling into Highline territory in a closing display of continuous attack that kept HHS on the defensive through most of the final minutes. Junior Sequim forward Daisy Ryan put the Wolves back in front at the 67th minute before closing out on goals from Hannah Wayne’s pressure on the keeper and a final score from Hope Glasser. “I’m really proud of from where we came,” said Osborn. “We stayed strong and didn’t quit.” Under the coaching of Benedum and assistant Jordan Badinger, Highline player roster shows Ambralea Harris, Paige Unke, Belen Gomez, Abby Sagmoen, Chloe Watson, Yoanna Orellana, Karolyn Hardee, Tavia Eilers, Gabriela Gonzalez, Haley Faccone, Bianca Mercado, Natasha Maharaj, Ellie Schafer, Nadia Osborn, Caitlin Gerde, Stephanie Rivera, Violeta Vega, Karis Gran, Riley Brown, Sophie Jones, Isabelle Eades, Ivy Reed, and Cassie Reed.