Pirates overpower the Red Raiders to remain undefeated

HOWARD – On Tuesday, April 29, the Bay Port Pirates extended their win streak to 8-0 after a grueling rivalry battle against the Pulaski Red Raiders with a final score of 2-0.

As the game began by kick off from the Red Raiders, the Pirates stormed to the goal, taking their first shot within the first four minutes of the game. 

Throughout the first half, the Pirates ruled the seas as they maintained solid possession throughout the entire first half.

With great saves by Pulaski senior goalie Sydney Hakes, the first half ended with a stalemate of 0-0, despite multiple attempts by the Pirates, as well as a few shots by the Red Raiders.

As Bay Port kicked off the second half, again, the Pirates managed to battle their way to the goal for a shot within the first two minutes of the half. 

“We just had to keep that energy going,” explained Bay Port junior Macie Brosteau. “We knew we had to come out strong in the second half, they were going to come out strong, and we had to overcome that. We’ve had adversities in the past, so we’ve just gotten used to it. Came back, came together, and overall got the result we wanted.”

With time ticking and tensions rising, at the 51 minute mark Bay Port senior Julia Fitt ambushed the goal, scoring the first goal of the night for the Pirates.

Using the momentum, the Pirates continued to fight in an attempt to lengthen their lead to seize victory. 

As time hit the 60 minute mark, Bay Port sophomore Myla Nichols nailed a corner kick at the goal, deflecting into the goal and securing the second goal of the night. 

Time continued to diminish, and both teams fought aggressively for the early conference victory in the standings.

As tensions grew, Pulaski senior Ashely Servais received a yellow card in the 73rd minute of the game for obstructing her opponent, intentionally blocking the player’s movement without attempting to play the ball.

“I think it was exactly what we expected, It was a physical matchup. It’s a conference matchup, and it is always a battle…I think we did a really nice job of maintaining composure when things got chippy, and it could have gone out of hand, but it didn’t,” explained Bay Port Head Coach Brooke Mraz. “Knowing that if we can finish our set pieces, our corners, I think we’ve proved that tonight against a very very solid keeper, so that’s what we’re going to walk away with.”

The fight for the game went down to the last minute, and ended with a final score of 2-0 for the Pirates, securing their first conference win of the season.

“I think it was definitely a tough one, but I think we came back, we played strong, we played together, and got it done, so good game,” said Brosteau. “Definitely gives us some momentum going into the other games. I know we have some main competition coming up for the rest of conference, so we’re ready, we’re practicing, we’re excited to get out there and play.”

While both teams have more competitions later this week, they will continue their conference fights next week when the Pirates are home Monday, May 5 against the Notre Dame Tritons, and the Red Raiders face off against the De Pere Redbirds home on Tuesday, May 6.

“Every W is important as we are battling for a conference title, and so one game at a time, and we just keep building. It is a great win, it is an important one. Every game is important though in conference play,” Mraz said. “I think any conference matchup is motivation in and of itself…The team as a whole, they’re hungry to win. I don’t really need to keep them motivated, they motivate themselves a lot.”