Pirates net early wins
<p>Polson’s Tiara Duford (left) holds off a Belgrade defender in a Pirate loss on Friday. Duford, a freshman, scored her first career varsity goal against Park the following day in a victory.</p>
POLSON — Polson’s girls soccer team got back on the right track Saturday with a 2-0 victory over visiting Park.
The Pirates (2-1) posted their second shutout of the young season, and Keely Clairmont and Tiara Duford each netted a goal to provide the difference. Duford assisted on Clairmont’s goal in the 39th minute.
Polson coach Michael Hewston liked the added intensity on defense Saturday.
“Sophia Sissler played solid defense during the match, as did Linnea Madsen,” Hewston said.
The win was a rebound from a 2-0 loss to Belgrade the day before.
“We thought our game against Belgrade was not quite up to snuff,” Hewston said. “The girls were more motivated and focused in this match. It was a better show of our progress and development as a team.”
That development could accelerate throughout the season, as Hewston starts three freshmen and a sophomore.
Hewston said the girls took some valuable lessons from the Belgrade loss.
“This game really drives home a few points that have been made in practice,” Hewston said. “The first point is [to] cover your teammates to ensure consistent coverage on the field. The second point is [that] every play counts. One mistake on our side opens up the opportunity for scores on their side.”
Despite losing the game, Polson outshot the Panthers 13-8.
Polson is in action again on Saturday at Hamilton.