Blaine soccer gains momentum with second win

By Oliver Lazenby

Blaine varsity soccer had a big first half and beat Nooksack Valley 3–1 in an away game on September 27.

Gracelyn Economy scored in the ninth minute, Maya Ball scored in the 13th, and Sky Nolasco scored on an assist from Jessa Adams 31 minutes in.

The win improves the team’s record to 2–5–1 overall and 1–3–1 in 2A Northwest conference games.

Though it was only their second win, the Borderites have gained momentum this season. After a scoreless first four games, they have won two and tied one out of their last four games.

The team’s first win of the season, a 3–0 shutout on September 17, was also against Nooksack Valley. After that, the Borderites came up short against Anacortes (4–4–0, 3–2–0 in conference) in a 2–1 loss and tied Mount Baker.

Though the Borderites couldn’t score against the Mountaineers, they outmatched them in shots on goal 22 to 1, said head coach Kelly Tuski.

“Both teams fought hard,” she said. “As the game progressed into the second half the girls were able to play more composed soccer, but were unable to finish on the net.”

Next, the Borderites play Lynden (2–5–1, 1–3–1 in conference games) at 4: 30 p.m. on Thursday, September 29 at Pipeline Fields.