Bombers Take Down Tigers for Chance at State Berth - By John Corbin
The Lady Bombers clinched a critical win at Bomber Field Thursday night to stay alive in the District playoffs. Coming off an incredible 1-0 shootout win against Kamiakin on Tuesday night, the Bombers were looking to continue their postseason play. Thursday's game was the Bomber's third playoff game in less than a week, and they knew it would be a battle against the 8-7-3 Lewis & Clark Tigers. Three different Bomber players found the back of the net to take the 3-2 win!
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| Photo: Metcalf Media (@metcalfmedia_) |
The Bombers came out strong, gaining possession right away to start the game. Only four minutes in, senior forward Payton Anderson scored the first goal of the game after intercepting a Tigers pass at midfield and dribbling it through the Tigers' defense before taking the shot. The Bombers had additional shots by sophomore midfielder Mackenzie Thonney and senior defender Hailey Summers at the beginning of the first half. Still, Tigers goalkeeper Elaina Queral was able to make the saves. The Tigers gained some momentum after a hard strike in the 18th minute by junior midfielder Gretchen Dornay to tie the game at 1-1. Dornay connected off a throw-in by senior defender Natalie Wenner. A couple more Tigers shots followed, but senior goalkeeper Alyssa Marsh was solid. The Bombers made an offensive push at the end of the first half, earning a corner kick in the 39th minute, but the game remained tied 1-1 going into the halftime break.
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| Photo: Metcalf Media (@metcalfmedia_) |
The Tigers took possession first in the second half, but the Bombers promptly recovered and went on the attack. Freshman forward Bella Arroyo connected on a pass to senior forward Bella Bunnage, who took advantage with a shot on goal. Mackenzie Thonney finished it off using her whole body to push the ball into the net to take the 2-1 lead. Ten minutes later, junior defender Emry Law served the ball in on a corner kick. When the ball was sent back out to Emry, she chipped it in with her left foot for another goal to extend the Bombers lead to 3-1. The Tigers answered immediately, with senior midfielder Lily Antoniuk scoring a goal off a Lewis & Clark corner kick. With the 3-2 score, both teams refused to give up, continuing to battle for the remainder of the game. Bella Bunnage barely missed an opportunity to add another goal for the Bombers with a few minutes left in the game, but her shot hit the left goal post. Her second shot off the deflection was saved by Queral. The Bombers' defense held strong throughout the game, and Marsh made several crucial saves to hold the Tigers off and help her team finish on top!
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| Photo: Metcalf Media (@metcalfmedia_) |
This game had a much different look regarding the starting lineup. Due to Kylee Kukes having to sit out this game because of a concussion, there was a new starter in sophomore Brynn Gaumer playing the position senior Bella Bunnage usually plays, and Bella Bunnage moved to Kylee Kuke's usual position. When asked about how she felt the girls handled the changes, Bunnage had this to say." I felt we did a good job adjusting, especially since Kylee (Kukes) is such a crucial player in the final third. Our sophomore (Bryn Gaumer) did a great job filling in for Kylee."
This was a momentum-building win for the team heading into their matchup against Chiawana. If they go on to beat Chiawana on Saturday evening, they are hoping to make this a comeback year. They fell short of making the state tournament last year after earning 3rd place in the state two years ago.
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| Photo: Metcalf Media (@metcalfmedia_) |
Thursday night's game against the Tigers was essential to the girls for one other reason. If the team does not make the state tournament as one of the higher seeds, then there is a high chance that this was their final game played at home this season. For the seniors, this would mean their last home game ever, which means a lot to the players and the fans. Brandon Bunnage had this to say after watching the game ." It was hard! I got choked up just seeing them warm up, as I was worried I wouldn't see them there again. Watching them beat Kamiakin again at home on Tuesday night was one of the most satisfying wins in Bella's four years as a Lady Bomber."
The Lady Bombers fought hard for their well-deserved 18th win of the season, improving their overall record to 18-2 and their postseason record to 3-1 and only one game away from the state tournament.
