PORT ANGELES — The Peninsula Pirates found themselves in an uncommon situation against Clackamas in NWAACC women’s soccer action at Wally Sigmar Field.
The Pirates won, but it was close.
Peninsula’s 2-1 victory moved it to 3-0 in conference play and 4-2 overall.
The game was probably closer than it needed to be.
“We drew three penalty kicks, but only converted one of those,” Pirates coach Kanyon Anderson said of Wednesday’s game.
“We would expect to make at least two of those.”
Peninsula sophomore defender Shelbi Vienna-Hallam, the NWAACC’s second leading scorer with five goals, broke the 1-1 tie with a goal in the 72nd minute off a corner kick from Bronte Fitzsimmons.
All five of Vienna-Hallam’s goals have come in the last three games, and all five have been assisted by Fitzsimmons, the NWAACC’s No. 2 assist leader.
Fitzsimmons also scored a goal. She was fouled in the box in the 15th minute and made good on her penalty kick for to give Peninsula a 1-0 lead.
“She was a difference maker,” Anderson said.
Clackamas struck back 20 minutes into the second half on a goal by Hope Butler that tied the game.
The goal spoiled Pirate goalkeeper Emily Flinn’s shutout.
Peninsula outshot the Cougars 15-4, but Clackamas keeper Melanie Trumbull had a solid game, recording seven saves, including two penalty kick blocks.
The Pirates were playing their second game in two days. They beat North Idaho College 4-0 on Tuesday.
“In the beginning of the season, we decided to schedule two tough teams back-to-back in order to practice for the final four, which is played back-to-back,” Anderson said.
“NIC and Clackamas were a very difficult test for us.
“We started the [Clackamas] game well, but struggled as it went along. Fatigue was likely a factor, just as it will be if we are fortunate enough to make the final four.
“While I thought we were less than our best today, I am pleased to know that we are mentally tough enough to win two games in two days.”
The Pirates, ranked first in the NWAACC and 18th in the nation, play a road game against the Pierce Raiders (1-2, 2-5) at noon on Saturday.
The Peninsula men (2-0, 8-0-1), meanwhile, host Pierce (0-2, 0-4-1) on Saturday at 2 p.m. at Wally Sigmar Field.
