Peninsula ousts Cardinal women from NWAC playoffs

PORT ANGELES, Wash. — “It was a good year that ended too soon.”

North Idaho College freshman defender Sofia Schnepf’s free kick was inches over the crossbar in the second half, and the Cardinals were unable to get the equalizer after allowing a goal in the first half, falling to the Peninsula Pirates 1-0 in a quarterfinal game in the Northwest Athletic Conference women’s soccer playoffs on Saturday night.

“It was a back-and-forth battle the entire match in rainy weather,” NIC coach Dan Hogan said.

Taylor Graham scored in the 41st minute for Peninsula (17-2-1), the top seed from the North Region. Peninsula will face Highline (16-1-1) in a semifinal game on Friday at the Starfire Soccer Complex in Tukwila, Wash.

“The only goal was a screamer late in the first half that got through (NIC goalkeeper) Kaysha Bailey’s hand,” Hogan said. “It was struck well into the upper left corner of the goal.”

NIC, the second seed from the East Region, finishes the season 9-6-5.

“It was a good year that ended too soon,” Hogan said.

First half — 1, Pen, Taylor Graham (unassisted), 41:00. Second half — none.

Shots on goal — NIC 4, Pen 8.

Saves — NIC, Kaysha Bailey 7; Pen, Andrea Kenagy 4.