Sports Bainbridge Island
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Friday, May 9, 2014 • Bainbridge Island Review
Spartans get taste of playoff-level action in win over Bellevue BY BRIAN KELLY
Bainbridge Island Review
BAINBRIDGE— It was do or die. Sink or swim. Or, at least, that’s what the Spartans thought. Bainbridge jumped to an early 1-0 lead and held on to win 7-3 against Bellevue at the Bainbridge Island Aquatics Center Wednesday. For much of the game, the Spartans thought they needed the win to secure a spot in next week’s wild card tournament to advance to the state tournament. Bainbridge Coach Drew Keller knew better, but not until just before the start of Wednesday’s game. Keller said he thought Bainbridge was tied with Shorewood-Shorecrest and needed a win to advance to the playoffs. He found out just before the game from Bellevue’s coach that the combined Shorewood-Shorecrest team was not eligible for post-season play, however, so no tie-breaker was needed for the Spartans. Keller kept it a secret until the final timeout in Wednesday’s matchup, knowing that playing under pressure would help the Spartans later. “The girls thought it was a win or go home sort of situation,” Keller said. “I wanted them to have that highpressure game and feel it and learn from it,” he said. If that was the goal, then put these Spartans at the head of the class. The team was tight on
Brian Kelly | Bainbridge Island Review
Amanda Sellman pressures a Newport shooter during Monday’s game at home.
Brian Kelly | Bainbridge Island Review
Spartan goalkeeper Mia Nathan rises to block a shot in Wednesday’s win against Bellevue. defense, built on the early lead crafted by 10th-grader Alyssa Estes
on her cross-cage shot, and played hard until the end.
Then there was the performance by Maya Nathan, the team’s freshman goalkeeper who has never played sports before. “Mia was lights out,” Keller said. “It’s just unheard of to have a freshman in the varsity goal. But she was outstanding today. She was everywhere.” Nathan made seven saves, including several key ones down the stretch, and forced some questionable shots by Bellevue. “She made that goal look small,” Keller said. “I can’t even describe how insane it is that she does what she does,” the coach added. “A goalie is a tough spot in any sport. There’s a lot of pressure. She’s a young player; this is her first high school season playing. It’s awesome, it’s so
fun to see.” Nathan’s stout defense seemed to rattle the Wolverines, who sent a large number of shots over the bar or bouncing off it. Nathan’s passing was also spot on, and she also came up big when Bellevue had the numbers on Bainbridge. “They were 0-8 on six-on-fives,” Keller said. “The field players shifted well, but it was Mia who got us out of the six-on-fives. She had like four or five blocks and they started missing over the bar.” This week’s win came after two tough losses in a row. The Spartans hung with Newport for much of the game on Monday, but their powerhouse visitors eventually pulled turn to spartans | A13
Spartans score 2-1 redemption win over Lakeside in boys soccer BY LUCIANO MARANO Bainbridge Island Review
The Bainbridge High varsity boys soccer team celebrated their last home game of the regular season, and Senior Night, with a 2-1 redemption win against Lakeside High. “Last time we lost it was to these guys,” said Spartan Head Coach Ian McCallum, referring to the defeat the Spartans suffered on the road against Lakeside April 22. “[Tonight] was a great game. Credit to our guys,” McCallum said. “We talked about our seniors, every one of them [are] outstanding players. Outstanding players, not even [just] for high school but, from my perspective from our club, they’re
great individuals.” The game was stalemated 0-0 for the entire first half, with neither team being able to gain access around the other’s defense very effectively. Ironically enough, as it was BHS Senior Night, the offensive action that finally turned the tide came courtesy of some junior players. Gerrit Mahling scored the game’s first goal at 56 minutes of play, assisted by Peter Fawley. Lakeside managed to answer with a goal of their own shortly after, evening things up momentarily. The win was cinched then, at 64 minutes, when Glodi Kingombe, assisted by Mahling, brought home the game changing goal. The victory at home
moved Bainbridge one overall point behind Lakeside, who was the number one ranked team in the Metro Mountain division. The Spartans are now listed in second place, McCallum said Wednesday, with a conference record of 8-3 and an overall season record of 12-3. “When two good teams play against each other that’s what sometimes will happen,” McCallum said of the game’s initial lack of scoring. McCallum specifically praised goalie Devon Reynolds, who had multiple saves in the first half alone, as well as Kingombe, who he said had improved dramatically in the later part of the season. turn to soccer | A13
Luciano Marano | Bainbridge Island Review
Varsity boys team co-captain William Economy drives through the defensive efforts of Lakeside High early in Wednesday’s home game.