Photo: The 3-0 Roughriders are looking to break a six-game losing streak at home tonight against state power Bainbridge.
By Oly Archibald
PORT ANGELES — Tonight’s Port Angeles–Bainbridge soccer matchup could be the biggest Roughrider home game in years.
For the Roughriders to remain serious contenders in the Olympic League championship race, they’ll need an upset win over the Spartans. History is against them — Bainbridge has dominated the series, winning the last six meetings by a combined score of 22-2. Port Angeles last defeated Bainbridge on Oct. 19, 2021, by a 1-0 score.
The Spartans opened the season with a 2-1 loss to Central Kitsap before bouncing back with an 8-0 win over Olympic. Last year, Bainbridge went 18-3 and advanced to the state tournament, where they fell to Bellingham.
Meanwhile, Port Angeles is off to a 3-0 start, outscoring opponents 7-1. Freshman Emma Desjardins has lived up to the hype, leading the Roughriders with four goals. Mariah Traband has added two goals, while Becca Manson has one. Stella Fradkin and Brooke Pierce lead the team with two assists each, while Manson, Traband, and Teanna Clark have one apiece.
Roughrider soccer players Morgan Politika, Sophia Ritchie, Pyper Alton, and Audrey Rudd know an upset of Bainbridge tonight could pave the way for a potential state tournament game at the University of Washington in November.
Lilly Anne Lancaster nearly scored against Klahowya when her shot hit the post, and goalkeeper Kennedy Rognlien — an all-league selection — has allowed just one goal all season.
Kickoff is set for 7:15 p.m. tonight at Peninsula College.
Elsewhere in prep sports:
- Soccer: Sequim hosts North Mason at 7:00 p.m.
- Volleyball: Bainbridge visits Port Angeles at 6:30 p.m., while Sequim hosts North Mason at the same time.
- Tennis: Port Angeles hosts Olympic and Sequim faces Bainbridge, with both matches starting at 4:00 p.m.