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The Lady Raiders soccer team played their first home game Sept. 13 against Manson, winning 3-0 in their first victory since the team's conception.

But the new team is still learning the hard way how to become better at soccer. Following their Tuesday win, the girls lost in Tonasket, 11-0, and at home Saturday to Liberty Bell, 6-2.

Against Manson, Lake Roosevelt kicked things off with two unassisted goals in the first half, one each from Loryn "Lomo" Moore and Madisyn Toulou. Another goal from Moore with an assist from Bryne Chaffee was deflected in from the other team late in the second half to finish the game.

"It feels amazing," Coach Moore said on their first win. "It was a well-deserved win because they all played extremely well. They all played their positions and were smart about their passing. They played as a team."

LR defenders Maya Milk, Tristan Adolph, and Kayla St. Pierre were "tenacious and held the line," Coach Moore said.

After their loss Thursday in Tonasket, Moore said, "I told our team this first year I don't care about winning as much as I care about them each trying their hardest. ... The winning will come, but they have to gain experience. So much of soccer has to be learned on the field during play."

"Kayla St. Pierre and Maya Milk both played strong defense the entire game," the coach noted. "I was particularly proud of Olivia Antoine for her effort on defense because she pushed herself to her personal limit and left the field almost collapsing."

Against Liberty Bell Saturday, freshman Madison Toulou scored in the second half, dribbling through four defenders to shoot the goal. Loryn Moore added the second goal for LR, shooting from far away to score toward the end of the game.

"Overall, our team pushed themselves the entire game," Coach Moore said. "Maya Milk was solid on defense and Kayla St. Pierre was able to shut down the left side on defense. Bryn Chaffee played center mid most of the game and is learning how to redirect the ball and play strategically. I'm happy with the fact our team is learning and progressing each game. I'm grateful for their effort, the continued determination to learn, and especially playing with honor."

Coach Moore noted Liberty Bell's "top notch coach" had used the game against LR's new team to work on specific touches and passes.

"That, in turn, allowed our team to focus on defense, and the game didn't feel like a total blowout," Moore said. "As high school coaches, our goal is to instruct and develop individual players and teams, but also to promote worthwhile play and good sportsmanship. I wish more athletic directors and coaches promoted this type of philosophy."

The Lady Raiders played at home again last night against Bridgeport. LR led 3-1 late in the game but the Fillies scored on a penalty kick, and scored again with less than 2 minutes to go to tie. Bridgeport scored early in overtime to win 4-3. LR's goals were scored by Maddie Toulou, Bryn Chaffee, and Loryn Moore.

Their next game is on their home field at the former middle school Saturday, Sept. 24, at 11 a.m. against the Oroville Hornets.