WOODBURN – When coach Steve Lee said this year’s girls soccer sectional was going to be competitive for the #9 Bellmont Braves, he meant it.
A pair of one-goal margins and a shootout victory handed the Braves an 11th consecutive sectional title Saturday afternoon as they beat the Bishop Luers Knights by a 1-0 score.
Oni Krueckeberg’s goal in the 25th minute came from a corner kick, with Ashley Bleke picking up the assist for BHS. It was goal number 21 for Bellmont’s top scorer.
The Braves finished the game with 13 shots against Luers, dominating possession but struggling for the last hour of the game to find a second goal that would put the game to bed.
Luers was the opponent for Bellmont in last year’s sectional championship game, a matchup coach Lee’s team won comfortably, 3-0.
Mary Bleke was credited with four saves and the clean sheet.
The Braves improved their record to 12-6-1 as they head into the regional semifinal Wednesday at home. They’ll play DeKalb after the Barons beat rival East Noble 3-2 in penalties after 94 scoreless minutes of open play.
Bellmont beat DeKalb just two weeks ago, 3-0. If they advance, the Braves will face the winner of the matchup between Illiana Christian and #2 South Bend St. Joe.
St. Joe defeated the Braves in August, 4-0.
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