Bellevue advances to finals after winning semifinal thriller, 11-10

Thanks to a standout performance by senior goalie Reed Hendrickson, the Bellevue Wolverines punched their ticket to the state finals after an 11-10 victory over cross-town rival Newport High School.

Newport sophomore Andrew Pana tallied the game’s first goal on an outside shot midway through the first period. The Wolverines answered with a goal from sophomore Marco Stanchi out of set. But Newport senior Will Helmer fired an outside shot past Hendrickson to put the Knights up 2-1. Wolverine freshman Zack Rossman, starting the game in-place of junior Scott Bowers (out with an illness), evened the score at 2 with a 6-on-5 goal near the end of the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the Wolverines built the lead that ultimately proved to be the difference in the game. Bellevue rode two from Stanchi, one from Rossman and one from junior George French to take a 6-3 halftime lead.

The teams traded goals in the third quarter, with French, Stanchi, and junior Silas Clapham finding the back of the net. When French scored on a 6-on-5 advantage with 4:46 left in the fourth quarter to put Bellevue up 11-7, it appeared that the Wolverines were going to cruise to the finals. But the Knights fought back. Two goals by Pana brought the Knights to within two goals. Then, with 0:33 seconds remaining, the Knights scored their tenth goal to make it 11-10. But it was too little, too late, as the Wolverines held on for a 11-10 victory.

With the win, Bellevue advances to the state championship against Curtis High School at Curtis’ home pool at 7:30pm.