The Pagosa Springs High School Lady Pirate soccer team now boasts an overall record of 4-4, including a league mark of 1-3, after splitting another pair of games over the last week and weekend.
The Lady Pirates were originally scheduled to take on the Lake County Panthers in Leadville on Friday, April 18, but coach Trevor Gian explained that match was canceled and is not likely to be rescheduled.
On Saturday, April 19, the Lady Pirates traveled to Cortez, falling to the Montezuma-Cortez Panthers 3-0 for a second time this season.
Gian explained that although the score may not reflect it, the Lady Pirates “played with Cortez quite well.”
When comparing their first matchup of the season, Gian noted, “it was great” and that he was pleased with the Lady Pirates’ effort on the day.
“The heart and the effort we showed in there was amazing,” he added.
Gian explained that the Lady Pirates gave up goals that could’ve been potentially avoided by applying more pressure and not allowing Montezuma-Cortez to fire off uncontested shots.
“I know the score doesn’t indicate … how well we played in there; I think we could’ve cleaned that up,” he added.
He mentioned the Lady Pirates did well in being more aggressive getting to the ball first, and displayed some quality combination play.
“Really great performance all around from everybody,” he said. “Great look all the way around.”
Gian also highlighted Lady Pirate goalkeeper Kiera Davis’ performance on the day, noting she finished the game strong with a quality second half.
He also noted the Lady Pirates fought ‘til the end and had “really great” moments in all areas of the field.
He added that if the Lady Pirates face off against Montezuma-Cortez again this season, he feels confident that “we could definitely be in it.”
Additional stats for the match were not available as of press time Wednesday.
On Tuesday, April 22, the Lady Pirates hosted the Ignacio Bobcats, also for a second matchup this season. The Lady Pirates prevailed again, winning the match 10-0.
“It was a good day for our side,” Gian said, explaining the Lady Pirates started “a little flat” but were able to get things going toward the end of the first half and “really came out fast in the second half.”
Gian noted that Tatiana Monterroso bagged four goals on the day, with Elizabeth Currier recording a hat trick with three goals on the day.
He noted that Isabel Forester, Caroline Simone and Ellie Vining each had one goal on the day.
He also highlighted Bella Jackson’s performance, noting she recorded two assists.
Gian mentioned that Jackson is “showing a lot of that good work ethic,” along with displaying the “right attitude” on the field.
Simone bagged her first goal of the season.
“That was cool to see,” Gian said.
He explained the Lady Pirates were without two of their usual captains at the game, which allowed for some other players to step into other roles, he said, adding, “Ellie’s been stepping into a great role, and to see her get a goal was nice.”
The Lady Pirates put away six goals in the first half and another four in the first 15 minutes of the second half to go up 10-0, triggering the league’s mercy rule.
The Lady Pirates currently sit in third place of the Intermountain League as they prepare for another round of matches against league opponents Alamosa and Bayfield.
The Lady Pirates are on the road today, April 24, to take the Alamosa Mean Moose in Alamosa at 4 p.m.
Gian explained that he wants to see the Lady Pirates start strong and come out aggressive against an “extremely quality team.”
The Lady Pirates will then travel to Bayfield on Tuesday, April 29, with kickoff scheduled for 4 p.m.
Gian mentioned it “would be great” to get another win over Bayfield this season.
clayton@pagosasun.com
