Emily Barton did it all Thursday night, keeping a clean sheet across 94 minutes, then making three saves in a shootout before nailing the winning penalty – twice – to send the Bellmont Braves back to the regional final Saturday against #1 Mishawaka Marian.
Barton made the saves her team needed in the shootout after keeping Dwenger off the scoreboard for all of regulation and extra time and then took off her gloves to attempt the winning penalty. She drilled her attempt, but was asked to repeat the act after not waiting for the official’s whistle.
She calmly slotted another outstanding attempt home and jumped up and down by herself until her teammates could come and join her in the celebration.
The victory for the Bellmont Braves was revenge after Bishop Dwenger defeated the Braves in the regular season, 2-1.
It also sets up a rematch of last year’s regional final, where Mishawaka Marian defeated the Braves, 4-0, on their way to the State Finals, where they were defeated in penalties by Lawrenceburg.
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