Peninsula’s Jackie Rodgers, right, and Spokane’s Kendra Johnson battle for the ball in the second half of Spokane’s 5-0 victory on Nov. 10. Sequim Gazette photo by Michael Dashiell

By MICHAEL DASHIELL

Sequim Gazette

Spokane’s women soccer squad made the seven-hour, one-way bus trip well worth the time and gas money.

The Sasquatch scored two first-half goals and poured it on in the second, topping the host Peninsula Pirates 5-0 on Nov. 10, in the first round of the NWAACC playoffs.

Lateashea Curry had three goals while Tabitha Grow and Briana Kerley had a score and an assist each, helping end Peninsula’s inaugural season.

Peninsula coach Kanyon Anderson said the Sasquatch’s two first-half scores, goals that came against the flow of play, forced his hand a bit in the second half.

“We made some pretty big adjustments,” Anderson said. “You’ve got to take a chance. Spokane did a nice job of finishing.”

The Pirates finish the 2010 campaign with a 6-7-6 mark.

Anderson said nearly each players on the 2010 roster — minus outside defensemen Michelle Groshong and Dena Houser — are eligible and plan to be back in 2011.

“They are going to remember this (game),” Anderson said.

The rookie coach said his recruiting process in year two will be significantly different; in 2010, he was looking for the best athletes he could find, but in 2011, he can recruit for specific positions.

“We are in a good position to be substantially better (next year),” Anderson said.

The Pirates will have a new field to show off as well, with Peninsula College’s artificial turf field to be finished before the end of the calendar year.

Reach Michael Dashiell at miked@sequimgazette.com.