There were several captivating storylines heading into Thursday’s girls soccer match between Battle Mountain and Vail Mountain School: two I-70 rivals, the proverbial David vs. Goliath, featuring a first-year head coach up against the long-time local legend. If that wasn’t enough, how about a sibling showdown?

“We kind of got into a little argument last night about who was going to win,” said Battle Mountain junior Thea Armistead before her sister and teammate, Elle, added with a laugh: “It was a little heated.” Shay Armistead, who plays for the Gore Rangers, concurred.

“There was a little bit of rivalry in the house,” she said of the sister clash, birthday bash. “But hey, it turned out well.”

The triplets, all of whom are also high-level Alpine ski racers, celebrated their 17th year of life facing off on the pitch in Edwards. Considering the sisters’ fierce, but friendly, competitive streaks, it was probably best the game ended in a 2-2 tie.

“It was a little frustrating, I definitely wanted to win,” admitted Thea Armistead, who scored the opening goal in the first 10 minutes. “But obviously it’s our second game so we have a lot to learn and it was a good learning experience.”

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With 8:29 remaining, Jordan Asbury hooked a stunning left-footer from the wing to the top right corner to put the home team ahead by two. But the Gore Rangers didn’t go away. Lucy Perkins brought the 2A school to within one with a breakaway score with 2:08 left in the half.

“I think we did a good job of opening the field,” Shay Armistead said. “We utilized the space we had. We were always looking for our triangles in the midfield. I think the defense did a really good job keeping off some of the (Huskies’) really fast forwards.”

With 14:39 to go, Jazz Almeraz cleared the ball back to Elle Glendining, but it slipped past the Husky goalie and went into the net. Battle Mountain had a couple good opportunities to break the tie — Elle Keenan’s look from the top of the box was stopped by Lola Marston and Thea Armistead’s shot from the wing with 24 seconds left went high — but couldn’t finish.

“Kudos to VMS,” said Battle Mountain head coach Lauren Lux. “They definitely were playing great soccer the whole time and capitalized on some chances.”

The first-year head coach grew up in the valley and played for the Huskies before the Dave Cope era. She and her family spent the last six years living in Anchorage, Alaska, but moved back to raise their daughter close to family. Lux started coaching right out of college; her first gig was as a club assistant under current VMS coach Bob Bandoni.

“Through the twists and turns of life, I found my way back here,” Lux said. “I’ve learned this team is willing to battle and really work when things get uncomfortable. Overall, to start with a win and tie in our first week after so little time to prepare — I’m super happy.”

While she’s still figuring out her squad’s chemistry dynamics, Lux already has a good feel for what the Armisteads bring to the table.

“Elle and Thea have just been a spark and a joy to be around,” Lux said. “They are coachable, they listen well and have that team mindset. It’s what any coach would want.”

When asked about how they’re inspired by the other two, each of the ‘A3s’ had warm thoughts to share. Regarding her sister, Shay, who races for Ski and Snowboard Club Vail, Thea Armistead said, “Her grit and daily routine — 6:30 to 5 school and skiing, going to two sports a day — it’s just so cool to watch.”

Both Elle and Shay acknowledged Thea Armistead’s work ethic and fight.

“She’s always trying to learn new things about the game,” Shay Armistead said before Elle Armistead added: “I do admire how you can keep everyone’s heads up.”

Pointing at Elle Armistead, Shay Armistead remarked, “She’s the funniest out of all of us. Even though she didn’t get to play tonight, she’s such a hard worker and she knows it will come.”

“I love them,” Thea Armistead said. “I think it’s good to have this friendly competition.”