KINGSTON — Kingston’s Emily Vernik stood on the sidelines, preparing for a throw-in, in the first half of the game against the Lindbergh Eagles, Nov. 9. Vernik’s throw would trigger a play that would send the Kingston Buccaneers to State.

The throw was to Ashlyn MacDonald, who headed the ball to Kelly Nash. Nash passed to Katie Keller.

“We had a few shots throughout the game, but that was our best moment…” Keller said of the play.

Keller took advantage of the opening and sent the ball sailing into the Eagle’s goal in the 16th minute of the District game. It was all the Kingston Buccaneers needed to earn a berth at State.

Kingston head coach Craig Smith said the Bucs took nine shots on goal, to the Eagles’ two. The Eagles lost a strong forward in the first half to a knee injury. Another Lindbergh player received a red card late in the game. Smith said the Bucs kept good pressure on the Eagles throughout the game, disrupting their play.

“We owned the middle,” Smith said.

The Eagles were a physical team, and became more so as the game went on. The Bucs frustrated the 2A team from the Seamount League, Smith said.

However, competing with the top teams in the Olympic League this season, including the North Kitsap Vikings, prepared the Bucs for the Eagles’ tough play. Smith said the Bucs became a better team by playing the Vikings. The North Kitsap Vikings were eliminated by Fife, Nov. 9, and will not advance to State.

The Kingston High School girl’s soccer program is preparing for its second State appearance in program history. They will do so in the first round of the State tournament at 6:45 p.m., Nov. 13, at home against Archbishop Murphy, according to Smith.

KHS against Lindbergh (Districts)

Finals: KHS 1, Lind 0

First half — 1, KHS, K.Keller (K.Nash), 16th.