Playing a team with just two wins on the season, there was little doubt as to what the final outcome would be when the Bellmont Braves were drawn against the Marion Giants last week at the IHSAA offices in Indianapolis.
Those predictions came reality Tuesday when the Braves breezed past a team that had just 17 goals in total this season, winning 11-0 and advancing to Thursday’s semifinal against rival and host Norwell.
Gracious in both defeat and in victory, coach Steve Lee immediately complimented the Giants despite the lopsided loss.
“Their head coach (Jackie Gidley) is doing good things there,” Lee said.
It was not that long ago that the team showed up to Bellmont for a sectional game with just 10 girls.
“She has her father and her brother as assistants this year. They seem committed to improving the program.”
As far as his own Braves, Lee praised his team’s commitment to possession and sharing the ball, something that will be important as competition grows stronger in the state tournament series.
The match also served as a secondary senior night, with all the seniors playing on the field at the same time at one point.
“It was really nice to have all the seniors on the field together tonight. It’s such a good group of girls.”
Three of the eleven Bellmont goals came from Lilly Alberding, who now has seven goals in her sophomore season.
“I know the game was already in hand tonight,” noted coach Lee, “but, man, Alberding has improved so much this year.”
Senior striker Lily Ripley had two goals for the Braves and classmate Carly Gilbert scored the opening goal and had a hat trick of assists in her time on the field.
Typically playing on the back line, Adi Knipstein and Kate Kitson each added goals for the Braves in their first sectional games.
The other goals in the contest were scored by Hannah Hawkins, Carissa Selking and Khia Cannon.
Hawkins, Cannon and Knipstein were all credited with assists, along with Emma Scheumann, Kacie Wallace and Gwen Laurent.
Taylor Louis made one save before giving way to Emily Barton in goal.
Bellmont will have just one day to practice before heading back down 224 for their next contest.
The Braves know and respect Norwell enough to know that there is no sense in looking ahead to Saturday or to Leo or to anyone else.
“One day at a time,” said Lee.
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