Clean sheets and NE8 wins. None of them come easy, but the Bellmont Braves sure are good at getting both and they did so Thursday at home against Columbia City, winning 4-0.
After going through their tough pre-season schedule that has often left them winless after the opening two weeks of the season despite being a top-ten team in the state, coach Steve Lee’s team dominated Columbia City from start to finish.
The home team put two into the back of the net and backed up their goalkeeper with two more in the second half as Emily Barton kept another NE8 clean sheet. Last year’s first-team All-NE8 keeper allowed just one goal the entire NE8 season for the Braves in 2024.
Goals for the Braves came from senior forward Lilly Alberding and three different sophomores, with Oni Krueckeberg, Kaitlyn Barton and Grace Ruble.
While the Braves are still trying to replace the presence of the departed Gwen Laurent from last year’s team, the tough opening schedule will certainly benefit the team in the long run.
The Braves will face two immensely important matches early next week after the holiday. Tuesday’s game at Norwell is a bitter rivalry in which the Bellmont girls have held superiority for years, but Grace Mann is a real threat for the Knights and the two teams could meet for a second time in the sectional.
Coach Lee’s team will then need to bounce right back and take on Concordia in a rematch of last year’s regional semifinals.
About the Author
