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.
Bellmont senior goalkeeper Emily Barton holds on to the ball late in the game Thursday at Bishop Dwenger. (Photo by Tara Riehm)
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.
Emily Barton makes the save for the Braves in the shootout. Oni Krueckeberg works around two defenders for Bishop Dwenger. (Photo by Tara Riehm)The Braves penalty takers pile pressure on Dwenger.
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.
With the gloves on the ground, Emily Barton takes the winning penalty for the Bellmont Braves. (Photo by Tara Riehm)Emily Barton sends Bellmont to the regional final with the winning penalty.
The victory for the Bellmont Braves was revenge after Bishop Dwenger defeated the Braves in the regular season, 2-1.
Emily Barton and the Bellmont Braves kept a 12th consecutive clean sheet Thursday. (Photo by Tara Riehm)The Z-Team praises the Bellmont defense for yet another clean sheet.
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.
The Z-Team of Mike Macke and August Fuelling wrap up the victory for the Braves.
Dane Fuelling has been passionate about high school sports since childhood. Coming to WZBD via his previous position as sports editor at the Decatur Daily Democrat, Dane is highly involved in high school wrestling with the IHSWCA and is a past winner of the organization's Distinguished Media Award.
