Polson Pirates find early season rhythm
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POLSON – Polson’s soccer teams are off to great starts.
Boys
With nine returning starters from last season’s conference championship team, the Polson Pirates stepped onto the field for their first game of the season on Thursday, Sept. 1, as the boys team took on the Loyola Rams. It took the Pirates the first 18 minutes of the first half to find their rhythm; however, once they found the back of the net, they couldn’t stop. Bridger Wenzel opened the gates with a goal assisted by Ben River.
Polson’s Omar Perez led the team with an impressive three goals, while goal keeper Russell Smith led the defense with three saves. The Pirates dominated the field with an 8-0 win over Loyola.
Michael Vergeront, Danny DiGiallonardo, Mike Mercer and Andrew Hanson scored the other goals for Polson.
On Saturday, Sept. 3, the Pirates hosted Frenchtown in hopes of finding another win.
It was a similar slow start for Polson, but Perez went unassisted at the 23-minute mark to give the Pirates a boost. Perez answered again eight minutes later with another goal assisted by Di- Giallonardo. Connor Lanier continued to ride the wave scoring two back-to-back goals to give Polson a comfortable lead. Mercer finished the game off with the team’s fifth goal of the night with an assist from River. Polson beat Loyola 5-1.
The Pirates will travel to Billings Central for a Friday, Sept. 9, game and Laurel for a Saturday, Sept. 10, game.
Girls
The Polson Lady Pirates took the field against the Loyola Breakers on Thursday, Sept. 1, in their first game of the season. After “first game jitters” subsided, it was a good view of what looks to be a successful season, according to Head Coach Michael Hewston.
“The Lady Pirates played well together for an opening match,” Hewston said. “They moved the ball well and possessed most of the game. They were able to swing the ball in both the midfield and defense on several occasions.”
Polson’s Tiara Duford found the back of the net with five goals, which helped lead the Lady Pirates to a 10-3 victory against Loyola. Polson had an impressive 25 shots on goal, compared to the Breaker’s six. Goal keeper Jenna Evertz saved six shots to help give the Lady Pirates their dominating win.
The Lady Pirates continued their week with a home game against Frenchtown on Saturday, Sept. 3, in hopes for another triumph.
Duford led the Lady Pirates with four goals and JaNessa Taylor added two of her own to top the Frenchtown Broncs 8-0. “The girls moved the ball well, working on passing and moving during the attack on and off the ball,” Hewston said. “It was a good opportunity for us to really practice our possession in a game setting. We had an opportunity to really work our game plan utilizing the switch in both the defense and midfield possessions.” With a 2-0 early season record, the Lady Pirates are off to a winning season. The Lady Pirates will travel to Billings Central on Friday, Sept. 9, and Laurel on Saturday, Sept. 10, in hopes of continuing their winning streak.
