The Lady T-Birds advanced to the NWAC quarterfinals, but a 90th minute goal from Columbia Basin marked the end of a still impressive season for Highline women’s soccer.
Akshay Rabadia/THUNDERWORD
Last Wednesday, Highline faced the No. 2 Skagit Valley in the first round of the regional playoffs. The Cardinals finished the year 5-3-2 in the North Division. Highline entered the post season tournament 11-2-3 overall and in region play.
Living up to their NWAC shutout lead, Highline defeated the Cardinals 1-0.
The Lady T-Birds came out strong in the first period with six shots to the Cardinals one.
In the 22nd minute, Highline’s Isabelle White netted the sole goal of the match assisted by Cassandra Decker and Ashley Teofilo.
In the second period, the Lady T-Birds kept Skagit Valley from scoring with five saves from goalie Rylee Wood.
“Highline put in work all over the field to make sure we could secure our spot in the quarterfinals. Making Skagit Valley tired due to our movement of the ball helped a lot as well,” said midfielder Olivia Quinnett.
The win over Skagit Valley advanced Highline to the NWAC quarterfinals match last Saturday.
The Lady T-Birds traveled to go up against the NWAC East Region champion, Columbia Basin.
“We all felt pretty good going into the quarterfinals. Knowing it was going to be a battle, we were confident that we were going to perform our best,” said Quinnett.
Right off the bat, the Hawks put pressure on Highline with six shots to the Lady T-Birds two.
Throughout the first period, the teams were able to hold off each other’s offensive pressure with the score of 0-0 at the halftime break.
At the start of the second period, the Hawks caught wind. Columbia Basin’s Hali’A Kalehuawehe sent a long shot over Highline defenders to Kassadi Suitonu, who netted the first goal of the game.
In the 82nd minute, Highline’s Cassandra Decker responded with an equalizer goal assisted by Isabelle White.
With the score tied up 1-1, the second half time winded down and stoppage time was added. The intensity increased as both teams were looking to net another goal to advance to the NWAC semifinals next weekend.
The Hawks maintained ball possession within Highline’s territory in the final minutes of the game.
Columbia Basin’s Kassadi Suitonu passed Highline defenders on the left side, allowing a clear cross to Alexis Olivias who scored the winning goal of the match. The Columbia Basin sideline rushed onto the field in celebration as Highline realized their season had come to an end.
“We had a really strong start and even when we got scored on we were able to pull it back. It was just very unfortunate that we couldn’t pull out the win that day. Soccer doesn’t always end up the way you want it to but being able to say we gave it our all is important and I think we accomplished that,” said Olivia Quinnett.
The Highline women’s soccer team ended their season 11-2-3 in conference play and 12-3-3 overall.
On Monday, Highline sophomore Olivia Quinnett was named Co-Region MVP by the league. For the 2022-23 season, Quinnett recorded four goals and a well above average .500 shot percentage and .750 shot on goal percentage.
“This may have been my last time playing with all of these wonderful women but I will never forget the fun times that we had. The blood, sweat, and tears these players and coaching staff put into this team will always make me grateful for Highline,” said Quinnett.