October 26, 2024 – Tukwila, WA
The Highline Thunderbirds edged out the Lower Columbia College (LCC) Red Devils 6-4 in an intense NWAC matchup at Starfire Sports Stadium. With LCC having already clinched the top spot in the NWAC playoffs, the Red Devils rested their starting lineup, giving the reserve squad valuable field time. Despite the absence of their regular starters, LCC's young players held their own, particularly forward
Angelina Hopwood, who netted two goals.
Highline struck first just five minutes into the game with a goal by Samantha Mojica, assisted by Tania Tapia. Lower Columbia leveled the score at 1-1 with an own goal at the 14-minute mark and soon took a 2-1 lead as Hopwood connected on a pass from
Brynlee Grant.
The second half saw both teams battling fiercely, with Grant scoring early for LCC, only for Highline to respond with a flurry of goals. Highline's Mojica added three more to her tally, securing a four-goal performance and lifting the Thunderbirds to victory. Tapia capped off the scoring in the 90th minute, sealing the 6-4 win.
Despite the loss, Lower Columbia's reserves showed resilience, with six saves from goalkeeper
Emma Beavin and a determined performance from defenders who managed to stave off several Highline attacks.
The Devils will have some time to rest up as they will have a first round bye for the playoffs which start on November 6. LCC will host a quarterfinals match on Saturday, November 9, at Longview Memorial stadium, Time and opponent are to be determined.
