11/6/25
(Federal Way, WA) A rainy and windy night at Federal Way Memorial Stadium played host to 3A District 3 tournament action on Thursday night. The first game saw two of the state’s top-six 3A teams by RPI in the Central Kitsap Cougars and White River Hornets face off in a district semi-final match. The nightcap would be a loser-out game between the Thomas Jefferson Raiders and the Decatur Golden Gators, two squads that both call Federal Way Memorial their home field. Although no state-tournament berths were on the line, a postseason intensity was able to pierce the bleak weather.
Central Kitsap 2, White River 1
The first match was a highlight, an anticipated district semi-final showdown between Central Kitsap and White River. Central Kitsap came into the match as the #2 seed in the district and the #3 team in the state by RPI. White River entered riding a 12-game winning streak, holding the #3 seed in the tournament and #6 RPI ranking in 3A. Both teams had already qualified for the state tournament with their wins in the previous round, but a chance to play in the district final against the #1 team in the state, Gig Harbor, was on the line.
The match started with control from Central Kitsap, as a Cougar team that had only conceded nine goals all season showed why with a demanding press, solid defending, and controlled possession from players such as midfield anchor Bailey Milovich. The White River back line stayed strong, forcing mostly long shots from the Cougars, but were only able to muster a few half-chances on the counterattack in the early minutes.
At about the mid point in the first 40, the momentum would switch, as the Hornets would begin to find attacking outlets down the wing through Lillian and Gracie Banks, striking the crossbar on a pair of long-distance efforts. Solid defensive work from CK center-back and co-captain Prestle Agana would help the Cougars soak up the pressure without conceding.
A couple of unfortunate breaks for the Hornets would end up hurting them, as after a prolonged period of pressure, the Cougars would find the opener. With 10 minutes remaining in the period, a mistake from Central Kitsap goalkeeper Emerson Welborn would give White River an open net opportunity, but the shot was put wide. On the ensuing play, Mailey Dayao would skip past a challenge on the White River back line and slot home the game’s first goal with the left foot.
The teams would go into the break at 1-0 in favor of Central Kitsap, with the Cougars looking to defend a lead against a White River offense that had yet to have been held to less than two goals in 2025.
The second half looked to swing back in favor of Central Kitsap, as the Cougars settled into the midfield and went back to restricting White River to counter-attacking opportunities. Kenzie Williams and Maya Yamaguchi looked dangerous on the offensive end for CK. Through the middle stages of the second half, neither team had a solid foothold in the attacking third, and started to take shots from distance. This would pay off for the Cougars as a Callie Thomas effort from 30 yards out would take a deflection at the top of the penalty area and trickle into the back of the net for some insurance with 17 minutes remaining.
The second tally would be all Central Kitsap needed as they showed why their defense is one of the best in the state, shutting down White River and holding the hornets to their first shutout of 2025.
Our Sumner Holiday Inn Express MVP of the match went to Central Kitsap defender Prestle Agana. The senior center-back led the line as Central Kitsap was able to hold one of 3As’ best offenses scoreless. White River entered the match averaging five goals per game, but the Cougars made a statement in picking up their 11th shutout of the year and advancing to Saturday’s District 3 final against Gig Harbor.
For full match replay, click here (Subscription Required)
Highlights
Mailey Dayao opener
Callie Thomas insurance goal
Thomas Jefferson 2, Decatur 1 (5-4 PKs)
The second match of the night was a loser-out duel between the Thomas Jefferson Raiders and the Decatur Golden Gators. The 11-seeded Raiders came in off the back of a 3-1 loss to white river, but had upset 6-seed Timberline 1-0 in the first round of the tournament. The Golden Gators, the 8-seed, had lost earlier in the week 2-0 against Bellermine. Both teams scrapped to extend the seasons under constant and at times torrential rain.
The game would start off very well for Decatur, as early pressure would lead to an early goal. Senior Amani Hussen stole the ball at midfield, dribbled towards the top of the TJHS box, and let loose a curling right-footed shot which got over the goalkeeper and in, 1-0.
Decatur would maintain the upper hand throughout most of the first half, putting pressure on the Raiders back line. In particular, Junior Kaihea Tuifua stood out for Decatur, slaloming her way through defenders on the dribble time and time again.
Despite the pressure, it would be the Raiders who struck back. With 4 minutes left in the first half, a free kick from Athena Amor Katsaros would bounce towards Decatur goalkeeper Madison Bell, who would bobble it straight to the feet of Jazmyne DuBose, with DuBose smashing home the equalizer.
A goalline clearance as the first half ended up denying Decatur another go-ahead goal
Despite Decatur controlling play through 40, TJHS had converted on their only big chance, and the game went into the break at 1-1.
The second half would go much the same as the first, with Decatur pressing, largely through Kaihea Tuifua, who struck the post on a long shot with 15 minutes remaining. However, Thomas Jefferson would weather the storm and hold on through the second 40 minutes, sending the match to Overtime.
Overtime would only have one big chance, as Jazmyne DuBose found herself one on one, but couldn’t win it for the Raiders as a brave clearence from Madison Bell would deny her.
The game would go to penalties, and the hero would be Sophomore TJHS keeper Anna Vincent. Vincent would make two saves during the shootout, and in the seventh round of spot-kicks, senior defender Alondra Corrales would bury the winner. Thomas Jefferson is through to a winner-to-state, loser-out match against Silas on Saturday, and has caused their second upset of the District 3 Tournament. Decatur has their season ended heartbreakingly, finishing the season 9-7-2.
For full match replay, click here (Subscription Required)
Highlights
Amani Hussen opener
Jazmyne Dubose equalizer
