Peninsula College’s women’s soccer squad is gearing up for a demanding season in the North Region, where competition has intensified in recent years.
The Pirates will open with exhibition matches against Pierce College, Seattle Pacific, and The Evergreen State College before the regional schedule begins.
Losing top goal scorers Atianna Tauiai Fuamatu‑Ma’afala and ISIS‑Jade Bryant, who combined for 27 goals last year, leaves a significant void in the attack, and the team will miss more than 60 of the 81 goals scored in the previous season.
Replacing the Goal Scorers
Coach Kanyon Anderson says the biggest challenge is rebuilding the scoring department, but he praises the stability of a defense that allowed just one goal until the NWAC semifinals.
Olivia Danks, Ceydie Whitfield and Layla Bejar headline a backline that has been rock‑solid, and sophomore Aspen Fraser is set to take over as starting goalkeeper for Alexandra Naill.
The roster also welcomes international players Lauren Lases and Inez Visser from the Netherlands, while transfers Cailey Ridgeway, Savannah Leahy and Andrea Domingo add depth.
Midfielders Jenny Gomez and Raimey Brewer, both from Sequim, along with forwards Peyton Bishop of Bainbridge and Linnea Heuschert of Vashon Island, provide a blend of experience and fresh talent.
North Region play opens with games against Bellevue and Skagit Valley on September 9 and 16, and the Pirates will test themselves against Spokane, the team that staged a late three‑goal comeback against them in last year’s semifinals.