Danielle Mott, left, Cassidy Butler, Lauren Fitzmaurice, Sally Thornton-White and Willow Temple celebrated one of Liberty Bell’s two goals against Brewster.
Liberty Bell takes eight-game winning streak into match
By Don Nelson
First round of girls’ soccer state meet, at home against Tonasket on Saturday (Nov. 2) beginning at 1 p.m.
On Oct. 6, the Liberty Bell High School girls’ soccer team lost a match to Tonasket in a shootout, 3-2.
The Lady Lions have been on a tear ever since, winning eight straight games (including five consecutive shut-outs) and outscoring their opponents, 35-1.
Liberty Bell will face Tonasket again on Saturday (Nov. 12) in the first round of the state championships, the fifth consecutive year that the Lady Lions have advanced to state. The match will be on the Liberty Bell pitch, starting at 1 p.m.
If the Lady Lions prevail on Saturday, they will advance to the final round of four teams at Sunset Chevrolet Stadium in Sumner on Nov. 18-19.
Liberty Bell advanced to the state tournament on the strength of a 2-0 home field victory over Brewster last Saturday (Nov. 5) to win the district title. Earlier in the week, the Lady Lions beat Bridgeport, 5-0, in the first round of district playoffs.
Liberty Bell took a 1-0 halftime lead against Brewster on a goal by Lauren Fitzmaurice with an assist from Cassidy Butler. The first 40 minutes were played mostly on Liberty Bell’s offensive end, where the Lady Lions put plenty of shots on goal but netted just one score. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Lauren Ochoa kept Brewster off the board. Sally Thornton-White scored in the second half to complete the margin of victory.
Against Bridgeport in a home field match on Nov. 1, Liberty Bell’s first goal came after a shot by Maya Sheely ricocheted off the Bridgeport goalie toward Thornton-White, who booted in the rebound. Danielle Mott made it 2-0 at the half off an assist by Fitzmaurice.
In the second 40 minutes, Fitzmaurice found the net for a 3-0 lead, then added another goal off an assist by Mott to make it 4-0. Mott scored the Lady Lions’ final goal.
Praise for teamwork
“While the goals are an essential part of winning the game, it is the entire team effort from the keeper forward that makes it happen,” coach Lincoln Post said of his team’s efforts. “While I find it difficult to single out players and could tell you about the strengths and improvement of every player from the eighth graders to the seniors, I would like to acknowledge some of the core strength that has led us to our success so far.”
“Our defense and goalkeeper Lauren Ochoa have been solid all season and improve with each game,” the coach said. “The success of the defense comes from the ability to cover for each other so that the opposing teams’ offense has continual pressure. If one gets beat, the next one shifts to support. Our veteran defense, which has played together for since eighth grade, includes the Post twins, Anna and Haley, and Stella Gunnip-Hunter. This year, freshman Ali Palm has joined the defense and has fit in seamlessly, providing strong and smart tactical play for a first year varsity player.”
“In the midfield we have had the great fortune of having Danielle Mott and Lauren Fitzmaurice return to the team after traveling abroad or playing another sport,” Post continued. “As seniors they have brought poise and leadership. Their ability to control the midfield and score crucial goals have been a large reason for the success of our season. Cassidy Butler and Corrine Deitz who also provide experience and strength to our midfield.”
“Our seniors are supported by freshman Tommie Ochoa, who in her second year on the team plays with intelligence and skill,” Post said. “Forwards Sally Thornton-White and Maya Sheely have been incredibly effective at rattling our opponents defense. Sally plays with speed and finesse and has been successful with scoring, assisting her teammates and organizing our attack. Maya creates havoc for our opponents. She creates excitement and opportunities by playing fearlessly, and as a freshman is just beginning to tap into her potential.”
“The whole team has continued to improve to the point where we have depth at each position. I have confidence in all of the players and we are seeing our best play in the home stretch of the season,” Post concluded. “I really enjoy coaching this team because they play as a whole for each other and the team.”
Liberty Bell defeated Tonasket, 3-0, in their most recent meeting. If the Lady Lions get past Tonasket again on Saturday, they will face the winner of the Brewster-St. George’s match in Sumner. Liberty Bell has won its last two meetings with Brewster by a score of 2-0 in each match.
Last year, the Lady Lions lost in the first round against Crosspoint Academy of Bremerton, 4-2. Liberty Bell finished second, third and fourth in the three previous state finals.
