Grace Academy had to ask for mercy last week as the Vikings boys soccer team notched up seven goals for a 7-1 win.

“It was a good confidence booster,” said coach Matt Stolmeier. “We knew that they weren’t a very strong team, so I gave the boys some things to work on; I wanted them to be mindful with the ball and imaginative with their passes, developing a play rather than just outrunning the other team.”

Freshman player Jack Russillo scored four goals, with junior Christopher Ghazel and sophomore Rhys Thompson each contributing a goal as well.

“Taylor Smith and Aiden McCormick both performed really well on defense,” said Stolmeier.

“Alex Rogers had always played goalkeeper, but I just tossed him out there (on defense) and he’s done really well. Goalie Cameron Smart has been a consistent team captain and been vocal on the field, doing what he can to encourage the team.”

Stolmeier said the team’s level of aggressiveness has been improving.

The team’s first league game will be on Friday against last year’s league champion, La Conner.

“They know the teams in our league are going to be much more difficult than this team,” said Stolmeier.

In pre-league play so far this season, Orcas has recorded a 3-1 loss to Lopez and a 9-1 loss to Providence Christian. They will play Grace Academy and Lopez once more during the season.