DANE FUELLING
WZBD.com
DECATUR – After a nail-biting, nerve-wracking trio of games in the Woodlan sectional, the Bellmont Braves took a different approach to their regional semifinal Wednesday against the DeKalb Barons.
Two goals in the opening six minutes of play dropped the spirits of the Barons and Bellmont went on to a dominating 4-0 victory with four different goalscorers on a night when leading scorer Oni Krueckeberg did the dirty work, assisting on all three goals that occurred from open play.
The win came just two weeks after the team had defeated DeKalb in Waterloo by a 3-0 score to claim the NE8 title. The Barons needed a shootout win over East Noble in the sectional final to reach Wednesday’s semifinal.
Kaitlyn Barton’s free kick in the third minute was 35 yards from goal, but the distance meant nothing to the junior and the spectacular score was a sign of things to come. She smashed her attempt between the hands of the DeKalb keeper and the crossbar for the early lead.
In the sixth minute it was another junior, Ella Sovine, who made it 2-0, scoring from a corner kick after a touch by Krueckeberg.
Bellmont put the game way on 15 minutes with a goal by Lanie French, assisted once again by Krueckeberg.
The large home crowd continued to cheer on the Braves in the second half despite the final result being assured. It was the final opportunity to see the girls play on the home grass in Decatur, with the regional finals and potential semi-state and state games played far from home.
Madyson Snyder finished up the scoring with a goal at 58′.
The Braves out-shot the Barons 17 to 3, with Bellmont keeper Marianne Bleke making three saves.
Bellmont’s defense was outstanding and did not allow a corner.
The Braves will square off against St. Joseph Saturday with a 2 p.m. kickoff. The match will be played again in Mishawaka. Mishawaka Marian knocked Bellmont out of the state tournament the last two years, but they are now in 3A, preparing for a regional final against Crown Point.
St. Joe has won 14 regional titles, including in 2017 and 2018, when they went on to beat the Braves in the semi-state both years.
The winner between SB St. Joe and Bellmont will advance to the semi-state final in the north in 2A, which will be played on October 24th at either Kokomo or Chesterton.
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