Taft High’s quest for a spot in the Class 3A/2A/1A OSAA State Girls Soccer Championships fell just short Saturday in a 2-0 league playoff defeat to Dayton at Salem Academy, but senior striker Sammy Halferty waltzed off with Special District 2 Player of the Year honors.
The Tigers, who earned the league’s Sportsmanship Award for the second straight season, surrendered goals in the first and second half despite a strong initial showing against the Pirates.
“Taft outplayed their opponents in the first half,” Tigers coach Joey Arce-Torres said. “We had many opportunities, but could not get the goal. We had double-digit shots on goal. Dayton shot one and got one. It was impressive play all around.”
Taft was unable to get an equalizer in a second half that produced similar results, Arce-Torres said.
“Then, Dayton got a second goal that sealed the deal,” he said.
Taft’s Avery Nightingale earned second-team all-District honors, while Chloe Peterson, Delayna O’Daniels and Corey Van Damme were honorable mention.
