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PHOTO BY ROCKY ROSS

A LAST KICK. Bellarmine Prep goalkeeper Ciarra Pederson is one of the seniors whose stellar high-school career run ended at Skyline.

Skyline end of road for Bellarmine girls; but future bright

By Rick Walter

The Bellarmine Prep girls soccer team finished its season – a little earlier than it had hoped – on Nov. 15 at Skyline High School with a 1-0 loss in the quarterfinals of the state tournament to the host Spartans.

The sadness and the hurt of the loss was palpable – the players, some hugging, their bodies sagging with disappointment, and their eyes filled with tears.

Not just yet would they appreciate the stellar season they had just completed.

This young Lions team, which started as a talented but unsure group, improved each week. It had not lost a game since its 1-0 loss against South Kitsap on Sept. 30, and it had beaten defending state champion Eastlake in a first-round state playoff game Nov. 12.

Skyline players were prepared for a tough match, especially after the Bellarmine victory over their rivals from Eastlake.

“We knew it was really important that we come out attacking hard,” said senior captain Mindy Nation. “We knew they didn’t give up goals easily.”

The Lions, with senior goalkeeper Ciarra Pederson and experienced senior defenders Kayla Russ and Lauren Bonk leading a group of fast and talented underclassmen, had given up only five goals in league play and had posted shutouts in the Narrows League and district games.

“I couldn’t be more proud of them,” said coach Joe Waters, whose boys team is the defending state champions and was in position to hold both titles in the same year.

“Their [the Spartans’] goal came on the only real good chance they were able to get. And they took advantage of it.”

Shea O’Donnell, her back to the goal, took a pass from Michelle Bretl and zipped the shot into the goal from 12 yards out with 7:36 to go in the first half.

Pederson did not really have a chance.

“I might have gotten to it, but I would have had to be cheating too much to the side. It was right at the post, a tough shot,” the goalkeeper said.

Skyline’s aggressive defense did the job from there. Senior captain Kiara Williams was called for multiple fouls and got a yellow card – and that was indicative of the physical nature of the game.

“She gets a little hyper sometimes,” said a teammate. “But she was hyper all week about this game.”

The Spartans’ entire team seemed in hyper drive for the first 10 minutes of the game, establishing a strong pace, and the Lions could not find their own rhythm.

“We weren’t able to do what we wanted to do,” Waters said.

The Lions picked up the pace considerably in the second half and dominated at several points, but could not get the elusive goal to tie the game.

“We were obviously crushed after the game, but Joey said we had 10 minutes to get all of our tears out, and then to get on and realize what a great year we had,” Pederson said.

The Lions finished the season 16-2-2.

“We had a fantastic season. The girls worked hard and got better every week. They have a lot to be proud of,” Waters said.

And a lot to look forward to.

Although the Lions lose the talent and leadership of its seniors and all-leaguers Marissa Golesh, Claire Yearian, Pederson, Bonck, Russ, as well as Erika Grosch, and injured captain Laura Stewart, the roster has a good number of juniors, sophomores and freshmen who established themselves this season with their skill. Freshman Stephanie Hamilton and juniors Sarah Katterhagen and Kaitlyn Pavolich were first-team All-Narrows League selections. Sophomore Sara Hedglin and junior Taylor Swenson were named to the second team. Freshman Kelly Beck received honorable mention.

Pederson said the team does understand its accomplishments, even if the season ended at Skyline.

 “We were unsure about how good we would be this year, because we had a lot of young players. I think everyone is proud that we accomplished our goals, and things look good for the program in the future.”

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