Hewston's goals not enough for Pirates

POLSON — A two-goal weekend by sophomore winger Madeline Hewston wasn’t enough for the Polson soccer team, losing 4-1 to Bigfork last Thursday and falling 3-1 to Columbia Falls last Saturday.

Thursday’s game started when Hewston gave Polson a 1-0 lead. Bigfork answered eight minutes later and added three more goals in the second half, despite being outshot 20-8.

“What we need to fix is the last 20 minutes of every game,” senior striker Marina Wheeler said. “That’s when our bad habits come back.”

On Saturday, the Pirates found themselves down 2-0 at half-time and a goal by Hewston in the 57th minute brought the score to 2-1, but the Pirates couldn’t produce anymore offense.

Despite the losses, the Pirate’s five seniors, strikers Marina Wheeler and Taylor Baughman, defenders Lexi Cline, Kaydee Borchers and Laura Hart, have maintained an upbeat disposition, creating a sense of optimism for the team.

“We’ve all been playing together since 4th grade,” Borchers said. “We hang out outside of practice, so we’re almost like sisters.”

The senior girls have bright futures as well, with most hoping to go to the University of Montana and playing soccer at some level while at college.  They also commend their coach and fans for their help in becoming better players.

“We’re in better shape and we communicate better,” Baughman said. “[Michael Hewston] is such a good coach and pushes us really hard.”

“I’m glad to leave on a good note,” Borchers added. “The more community support the better. I get pumped up when there are more people in the stands.”

Next up for the girls is their last home game of the season   against Columbia Falls.