By Oly Archibald
PORT ANGELES — The rich keep getting richer, as the Peninsula Pirates women’s soccer team continues to bring in some of the top talent in the state.
The Pirates dipped into the 2A Greater St. Helens League to land two award-winning athletes from powerhouse Ridgefield High School.
Defender Samantha Solis began playing club soccer at just five years old in Utah with La Roca FC. Her family moved to southwest Washington in 2018, where she joined Columbia Premier Academy. Solis later transferred from Heritage High School to Ridgefield after her sophomore season. As a junior, she helped lead the Spudders to their second straight 2A state championship. In November 2025, she was named Ridgefield’s Student-Athlete of the Month by Greet Magazine.
Defender Samantha Solis of Ridgefield High School will play soccer for the Peninsula Pirates.
The Pirates also added Ellie Wilson, who served as team captain and helped guide Ridgefield to back-to-back 2A state titles. In her senior year, Wilson was named the Greater St. Helens League Most Valuable Player.
Greater St. Helens 2A League MVP Ellie Wilson, who led Ridgefield to two state championships as a midfielder, will join the Peninsula Pirates.
On the men’s side, the Pirates signed their second recruit from Eastmont High School in Wenatchee—midfielder Jaden Ruiz.
Jaden Ruiz of Eastmont High School will play soccer for the Peninsula Pirates.
In high school baseball, Port Angeles fell to North Mason 2–1.
There’s softball action today, with Port Angeles traveling to Olympic for a 4:15 first pitch.
In boys soccer tonight, Sequim heads to North Mason, while Port Angeles travels to Bainbridge. Both matches kick off at 7:00.
And the prestigious Port Angeles Invitational Track and Field Meet is set for tomorrow. Events begin at 11:00 a.m., featuring more than 400 athletes from nine high schools.
From the event organizers:
“The long-standing tradition returns to Port Angeles this weekend as the PA Invitational Track Meet takes center stage on Saturday, March 21st, 2026. First established in the 1950s, this historic event has been a staple of the local sports community for decades, bringing together athletes, families, and fans in celebration of track and field.
After being canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the invitational is once again ready to showcase the speed, strength, and spirit that define the sport.
This year’s meet promises to be one of the most exciting yet. Nine schools from across the region will be in attendance, including two programs making the trip from Seattle, adding an extra layer of competition and prestige. With several returning state champions and more than 400 elite athletes competing, spectators can expect a full day of high-level performances across all events—from sprints and distance races to jumps and throws.
But the PA Invitational is more than just a track meet—it’s a community event. Festivities will run from 11:00 AM through the late afternoon, with food trucks, music, and a lively atmosphere that makes it enjoyable for fans of all ages. Whether you’re a dedicated track enthusiast or just looking for something fun to do with family and friends, there will be something for everyone.
Organizers encourage the entire community to come out and support these hardworking student-athletes. Whether you stay for an hour or spend the whole day at the track, your presence helps create the kind of energy that makes this event so special.
As the starting gun fires this Saturday, it won’t just mark the beginning of another meet—it will signal the continuation of a proud Port Angeles tradition.”