Bellevue beats Enumclaw, Prepares for State

In the final tune-up before next week’s State Tournament, the Bellevue Wolverines defeated the Enumclaw Hornets 14-9 on Thursday in Enumclaw.

Bellevue jumped out to a 7-2 first quarter lead behind the strong play of sophomore two-meter Marco Stanchi. During the opening frame, Stanchi earned two ejections, scored two goals and had two steals. The Wolverines extended their lead to 10-4 at halftime. The Hornets fought back in the third quarter and blanked the Wolverines, but Bellevue scored four fourth-quarter goals and was able to hang on for the victory.

Junior Garrett Moffatt, making his first career start in goal in place of senior captain Reed Hendrickson, had 11 saves and three steals. Junior George French led the Wolverines with five goals, while classmate Stuart McClelland posted a season-high eight steals. Stanchi continued his solid all-around play, filling the stat sheet with four goals, three assists, four ejections drawn and three steals.

Bellevue (18-5) returns to the pool next Wednesday for the 2012 State Tournament. Seeds, game time and opponent will be revealed after the seeding meeting on Sunday evening.