POULSBO — North Kitsap senior Briann George scored the first three goals of the game to propel the Vikings girls soccer team to a 7-0 win Oct. 29 over River Ridge in the WCD 2A Girls Soccer Tournament opener.
The Vikings proceeded on to face Orting at 5 p.m. Nov. 1 in Franklin Pierce Stadium where they won their state-determining district match against in overtime.
Viking sophomore forward Isla Lester scored the game winning point.
“We definitely dominated and had many great chances. I’m really proud of this team,” head coach Greg St. Peter said after the match. “We had to make some lineup adjustments due to injury, but our team met the challenge, stepped up and played with tons of heart.”
The team will play in the district championship at 4 p.m. Nov. 5 against Fife at Franklin Pierce Stadium.
As they prepare, the Vikings plan to rest, recover and mentally prepare.
“Either way, we are in the state tournament and will host the first game (loser out) next Tuesday at NKHS Stadium,” St. Peter said. “Winning on Saturday would be huge for us to face a lower seed and would put us in a great position to advance to the quarters. However, every opponent is tough once you get to state.”
Although the Vikings expect a tough match, St. Peter said he likes their chances.
“We’re ready … our approach to our last game was key. Even though we had to alter our lineup a bit due to injury, our players stepped up and not only dominated their opponent, but also showed more flexibility of what they are capable of.
“I’m so impressed with how our team has come together to earn this opportunity. They have worked hard all season to get to this point and to be here again after losing so many talented seniors from last year is a huge accomplishment.
“If we play how we’re capable of playing with the amount of heart that we have finished the season with, then I really like our chances,” he said.
Among other Kitsap girls soccer teams, Olympic faced Highline at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 1 in Silverdale Stadium. The winner plays for third at 2 p.m. Nov. 5 at Franklin Pierce. The loser plays for a chance at fifth at 5 p.m. Nov. 3 at Franklin Pierce.
Football: North Kitsap hosts Orting Nov. 4 or 5, TBD, in the WCD 2A Football Playoffs. The winner advances to state.
Among other Kitsap football teams, Bremerton travels to Franklin Pierce on Nov. 4 or 5. Olympic travels to Steilacoom on Nov. 4 or 5.
Boys and Girls Cross Country: Bremerton, Olympic, Kingston and North Kitsap compete on Nov. 5 in the 2A WIAA State Cross Country Championships in Pasco.
Among other Kitsap cross country teams, Klahowya competes that day in the 1A WIAA State Cross Country Championships in Pasco.
Girls Swim and Dive: Bremerton, Kingston, Klahowya, North Kitsap and Olympic compete beginning at 4 p.m. Nov. 4 and 11 a.m. Nov. 5 in the 1A/2A WCD III Swim and Dive Championships, at Hazen Swimming Pool in Renton.
Volleyball: Kingston faces Franklin Pierce at 5:15 p.m. Nov. 4 in the WCD 2A Volleyball Tournament at Franklin Pierce High School.
Olympic plays Orting at 5:15. North Kitsap meets River Ridge at 7 p.m.
Boys Tennis: The North Kitsap Vikings wrapped up their district tournament Oct. 29, earning second place in the 2A WCD III Championships.
Singles player Turner Hibbs placed fourth, and doubles players Mitchell Kunold and Tyler Meek placed third and Ryan Hecker and Jacob Denny placed fifth.
Due to ranking, Hibbs, Kunold and Meek will for sure be playing at state in the spring, according to Vikings head tennis coach Jay DeVries.
“They are going to decide allocations for districts in the spring,” DeVries said. “[It’s the] first time in 15 years. We have four for sure — Denney and Hecker were fifth and should qualify, but we won’t know until the middle of March for sure.”
Of their level of play during the district match on Oct. 29, DeVries said they played outstanding.
“Conceivably, we could’ve had our boys playing each other to get into the finals.,” he said. “Both went three sets and lost against the same team that took second.”
To be ready for state-level competition, he said they need to continue to work on their consistency with serving, finishing balls that need to be put away, and having the confidence to hit shots that they have proven they are capable of hitting.
Above all, DeVries hopes the players have fun.
“State tennis will be what you make it,” he said. “The talent at state is at a different level … But I think that they will all figure out a way to get down to the club and play.”
The coach said the team is currently working with Will Herbert at Kitsap Tennis Athletic Center, trying to figure out an affordable training plan for the high school players.
Buccaneers singles player Ian Schmid also secured a position to play at state.
— Richard Walker is editor of the North Kitsap Herald. Contact him at: rwalker@soundpublishing.com. Sophie Bonomi is the sports and education reporter for the North Kitsap Herald. Ccontact her at: sbonomi@soudpublishing.com.
