With four teams ranked in the top 10 of the Oregon School Activities Association, Cowapa League girls soccer will feature lots of heavyweight battles.

Sept. 25 in Seaside was the first of many installments as the Seagulls and defending league champion Scappoose traded blows in a game that ended up 1-1.

After being outscored by the Indians 12-1 in their two meetings last year, the Seagulls knew the match would be a test to see how much they’ve improved. Based on the early returns, the Seagulls have improved a tremendous amount.

The Seagulls struck first midway through the first half after forward Layla Varozza ran past the Scappoose back four to stripe a shot in the top left corner of the net. After fending off a series of Indians’ attacks, the Seagulls got unlucky at the end of the first half as they were charged with an own goal trying to defend a corner kick.

The second half was a scoreless draw as both teams had chances, but in the end, both defenses did their jobs. Center back Ella Brenden led the Seagulls in defense. She also got the assist on Varozza’s goal.

Seaside volleyball loses to Rainier and Scappoose

Seaside High School volleyball remained winless after a three-set loss to Rainier in a nonleague matchup on Sept. 26.

The Columbians were in command from the opening tap, winning the first set 25-19, second set 25-15 and third set 25-18.

On Sept. 24, Scappoose High School stayed undefeated on the year with a three-set victory over Seaside.

The Indians won 25-15, 25-9 and 25-17.