SUMNER - Dreams of a state title for a SeaTac squad were devastatingly dashed by a formidably faster and supremely stronger opponent on the moistened turf of Sunset Chev Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 22.

Landing hurting bombs against its opponents’ fortifications almost immediately, the Seattle Academy won a second Class 1A girls soccer championship in four years, defeating Seattle Christian, 5-0.

“They were just better than us everywhere in the field,” related Warrior head coach Melissa Bennett. “Seattle Academy is extremely fast and very skilled. Every player is solid. They deserved it.”

Junior Sierra Keeler used a pass from Makenzie Brandon to score in the 16th minute as part of a 2-0 Cardinal first half lead. Besieged constantly by flying attackers, the SCS defense kept the game within striking range.

With the situation sizeably stacked against themselves, the Warriors tenaciously tried to thwart the thunderous threats steaming into view.

By the 61st minute, the Cardinals (22-1) scored again, the first of three second half goals, while the plummeting hopes of Seattle Christian absorbed jolt after jolt on the way to the inevitable conclusion.

After some teary-eyed moments, Seattle Christian senior defenders viewed their total accomplishments and experiences with pride.

“We’ve come a long way from the start of the season,” stated Julia Morse. “Our coaches were strong and pointed out our skills. We were able to talk about things together.”

Throughout the the toils and tribulations of a long season, Amanda ZeBarth felt the emotion experienced together as a team.

“We pretty much gave it our all the entire season,” she observed. “No matter what the outcome was, we picked it up all year.”

Chanelle Huffman agreed completely about the sharing and caring of this fine group of young ladies.

“When we were down, we could always pull it together,” she said. “When things were tough, we encouraged each other the entire season.”

Seattle Christian (17-4-1), which won the Class 1A first place hardware in 2006, scored playoff victories against Onalaska, Montesano and King’s en route to the championship round.Against the fall of night and a tough loss, Warrior head coach Melissa Bennett almost had a twinkle in her eye as she summed up the season.

“We’ve had great leadership on our team during our ups and downs,” she said. “It’s been great. The girls get along well. There were some fond memories. Our goal was the state championship, and we gave ourselves the opportunity. We should be proud of the fact that only two teams got here.”

Players for the 2008 Class 1A state runner up Seattle Christian team are Hannah Kane, Terrika Weaver, Madeline Neilsen, Sabara Oehlschlaeger-Browne, Jordan Comiskey, Julia Morse, Madison Hibbard, Grace Dostert, Chanelle Huffman, Sydney Corliss, Jenny Eng, Jordan Fremmerlid, Jessica Johnson, Amanda ZeBarth, Riley Phelps, Sara Tripoli, Allison Mitchell, Megan Mitchell, Makalah Mumm, Kelsey Taylor and Amanda Oehlschlaeger-Browne.

Assisting head coach Bennett is Kendra Walker. Craig Wrolstad is the athletic director.

Seattle Christian 1, Montesano 0

TUMWATER - Seattle Christian qualified for state 1A girls soccer tournament semifinal action with a hard fought victory against Montesano on Saturday, Nov. 15, at Thunderbird Stadium.

Warrior freshman midfielder Madison Hibbard received a pass dribbled, turned and deposited a 20-yard chip shot over the goalkeeper. The well struck ball found the upper right hand corner of the net with less than 20 minutes of elapsed time in the matchup for the score that would hold up for the game’s entirety.

“We had a good start and our experience showed,” elaborated SCS head coach Melissa Bennett, who is in her fourth year at the helm. “We have nine girls that were on the state team two years ago and also on last season’s semifinal playoff team. They know what it takes.”

Firing forward with physical propensity, the Warriors set a quick early pace, wearing down the Bulldogs from Grays Harbor County until Hibbard hoisted home the eventual decider.

Seattle Christian also had additional opportunities from its forwards, especially sophomore Terrika Weaver, but was unable to deliver further scoring.

Against the powerful Warriors, the Bulldogs had great difficulty converting opportunities into scores.

Solidifying its fortifications, the SCS defense devastated Montesano’s direct attacks with speed. Marking their opponents solidly, the Warriors denied the pressing attack of the Bulldogs.

“It was back and forth for awhile,” added Bennett. “In the last 10 minutes, Montesano pushed a few more people forward, but we were able to hang on.”

Seattle Christian goalkeeper Hannah Kane earned the shutout against a team that had not been shut out all season.