Mariners sail over Blaine soccer team

by Ian Ferguson

The Blaine girls soccer team held back the tide of Sehome’s attack well into the first half, but once the Mariners started scoring they didn’t let up.

The Borderites fell 9–1 in a Northwest Conference (NWC) matchup at Sehome on October 14.

“We came out strong at the beginning of the game and matched them on the field,” said Blaine coach Kelly Tuski. “We were able to hold them off until the 18th minute, but once they scored their first goal they kept on scoring.”

The Mariners outshot the Borderites 29–3. Blaine goalkeeper Tessa Kelly made 13 saves.

“A team like Sehome is tough to defend, because they know how to pass well and they look to goal from inside and outside of the box,” Tuski said.

Despite the lopsided score, Tuski said there were positives to take away from the match.

“The girls really kept their heads up and worked hard, and we’re proud of them for that,” she said.

Blaine’s lone goal came in the 66th minute. Maria Gobbato assisted Ashley Quesada, who scored with a strong shot on goal.

With the loss, the Borderites fell to 0–8–0 in the NWC and 1–10–1 overall, while the Mariners improved to 6–1–2 in NWC play and 7–3–2 overall.

With a few teammates out for the next game due to injuries and illness, the Borderites have their work cut out for them this week.

Blaine will face Lynden Christian in an away NWC game on Thursday, October 16. The game begins at 4:30 p.m.