11th Times the Charm? - By Aubrey Hunter
The Richland Bombers would travel to Southridge High School on Tuesday night, October 15th, to hopefully become 8-3 on the season. The lady Bombers winning the past ten matches against the Suns would raise a question for Bomber fans. Did they have what it takes to make it 11? Coming off of a 7 streak loss, the Southridge Suns knew they would have to bring the heat to have any chance at beating the Richland Bombers. After losing to the Bombers back in September in PKs, the preparation going into this game was key. It was going to be a battle between the schools, and every last minute would count.
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| Photo: Jackson Williams |
Going into this game, both sides knew it would be tough competition. Neither team was getting away with an easy win. After speaking with Richland player Brynn Gaumer, the Lady Bombers knew they needed to come out strong and play with a lot of confidence. She emphasized, "We cannot underestimate any team we face and their abilities.” Southridge might not have the best record, but they have many key players who bring a lot to the table. Aleah Thien and Avery Garvey are players to look out for on the Southridge Suns side. After having a chance to speak with Reese Mckay from Southridge, she gives us insights on players the Suns will look out for in Richland. #10, Niyah Gallegos, and #11, Josilyn Maddison. After asking Reese about the hardest part of going up against RHS, she responds, “They have a skilled midfield that breaks down our midfield and backline easily.” Also, not a fan of PKs, Reese wishes she could've finished one of the Suns set pieces to get that goal over Richland and in the game immediately. Starting off the first half, a missed shot by Kylee Kukes set the tone for the game. Although it didn't make it to the net, the Bombers were coming at fiery. Throughout the next half, Niyah Gallegos, Kylee Kukes, and Payton Anderson attempted many shots. Even though these weren't changing the score, they were changing the game. The bombers would do anything to prove themselves.
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| Photo: Jackson Williams |
After 90 minutes of play and still no score to be seen on the board, everyone knew what was to come next. Pk’s. It all would come down to this. (7-3) Richland Bombers and (2-9) Southridge Suns. Those records were about to change. First up being the goalies, all the pressure was evident. #1 Avery Garvey would be the first up to attempt to get her team ahead. However, after a failed attempt, it was time for Richland’s #1 Kenzie Christian to take her shot for the Bombers. Another missed shot by the RHS goalie would mean the schools would continue the back-and-forth. Richland's Gallegos and Maddison would both make their shots to help Richland get ahead. #7 for the Suns, Reese Mckay would make her shot. Although SHS player Genesis Mendoza missed her shot, it resulted in a tough loss for the Suns and an 11th straight win over Southridge for the Bombers.
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| Photo: Jackson Williams |
So what led to this Bomber success, and what was next? The chemistry between the Lady Bombers is undeniable. On and off the field, they truly know what it's like to be teammates. The communication on the field and the support they show each other make a huge difference. Many girls sharing handshakes before every game perceive the players as good friends who care about each other. Brynn shares with me the leaders on the team that help create this atmosphere for the other players. Team captains Kenzie Christian, Niyah Gallegos, and Emery Law are huge factors in their success this year in creating an environment that feels welcoming and inclusive. Although, they are far from done. As far as this season, this team's goal is to win the MCC champs. Which would include beating the Riverhawks this Thursday and continuing their winning streak. Although this would be challenging, I don't doubt this would be the team that will do it. Another goal of theirs is to not only make it to the state but also to make it far in the state. They plan on achieving this by always playing as a team and having a good, supportive camaraderie. Watching them play and grow this season has been super fun, and they are not slowing down anytime soon.
