Despite having to deal with some pretty nasty winds coming straight off Cook Inlet, the Cook Inlet Academy coed soccer team defeated Nenana 7-0 Thursday evening at the Kenai Sports Complex soccer fields.
CIA coach Kenny Leaf said the wind and rain quickly blew in just as an earlier game at the Kenai Middle School was ending, and the weather continued into the Eagles matchup with Nenana.
Nevertheless, both squads battled in the elements, with CIA persevering with a 7-0 win in Aurora Borealis Conference play.
The weather did not dampen the evening’s senior night celebrations. Connor Leaf and Sydney Carey are the team’s two seniors.
Leaf punctuated the game with a hat trick, scoring goals in the 23rd, 26th and 64th minutes of the game.
Noah Leaf opened the scoring with a goal in the ninth minute, which was followed by two strikes from Connor, leading to a 3-0 lead at halftime.
Jiabao Leaf continued the onslaught with a goal in the 46th minute, and Briana Delon converted a corner kick in the 51st minute to stretch the lead to 5-0. Meijan Leaf added a goal in the 66th minute as well.
CIA improved its season total to 5-4-1 with the victory, and will look to continue the momentum Friday at 3:30 p.m. against Birchwood Christian in Palmer. CIA will also play Holy Rosary Academy Saturday at 2:30 p.m.
