Evergreen sophomore defender Isabella Williams notched her first collegiate goal of her career, but the Geoducks women’s soccer team fell to Park University Gilbert (Arizona) 2-1 in their season opener Thursday at Geoduck Pitch.
Ava Fike tallied a brace for Park, first finding the back of the net in the 23rd minute on a 20-yard shot into the lower-right corner to give the Buccaneers a 1-0 halftime lead.
Williams, a Capital High School graduate, netted the first goal of the season for the Geoducks in the 57th minute, scoring from 25 yards out into an empty net following a defensive misplay by Park.
Fike secured the game-winner in the 69th minute, drilling a 30-yard shot from a throw-in by Yadira Bernal. Park outshot Evergreen 20-3, including 10-1 in shots on goal.
Junior Melina Grijalva registered two saves for Evergreen in the first half in her first action since 2024, and senior Katie Gresham saved six shots in the second half.
Next up for Evergreen is an exhibition match at Tacoma Community College Tuesday, Aug. 25 in the first of four straight exhibitions. The Geoducks (0-1) will return to regular season action Sunday, Sept. 13 at 9 a.m., when Simpson University of California comes to Geoduck Pitch.
