Bellevue wins two, advances to quarters

On Wednesday night at Rogers High School in Puyallup, the Bellevue Wolverines defeated Enumclaw 18-6 and Auburn-Mountainview 22-11 to win its opening round bracket and punch its ticket to Friday’s state quarterfinals.

Bellevue 18, Enumclaw 6

In the first game of the tournament, the top-seeded Wolverines squared off against the Hornets of Enumclaw. Despite five first quarter goals, the Wolverines struggled on defense and gave up three goals, all on outside shots. In the second quarter, Bellevue tightened up its perimeter defense and rolled off six unanswered goals to build a 11-3 halftime lead. In the second half, the Wolverines continued to pad its lead behind multiple strikes from juniors Marco Stanchi and Liam Naughton.

Stanchi led the Wolverines with eight goals, two ejections drawn and three steals. Naughton added six goals. Freshman Cameron Hayes had a solid state-debut, posting a game-high four assists. Sophomore Zack Rossman added three goals. Senior co-captain Scott Bowers rounded out the scoring with a goal and two assists. Senior goalie Garrett Moffatt had eleven saves and three assists.

Bellevue 22, Auburn-Mountainview 11

In their second game of the evening, the Wolverines wanted to avoid the sluggish start that plagued them against Enumclaw. Leaning on a suffocating press, lock-down two-meter defense from Naughton and senior Silas Clapham, and a relentless counterattack, the Wolverines put forth their most dominant quarter of the season, exploding for a season-high 10 first quarter goals over a very tough Auburn-Mountainview squad.

Senior George French showed why he is one of the state’s most dangerous offensive threats, posting nine goals, two assists and an ejection drawn. Rossman poured in seven goals. Hayes once again led the team in assists with five. Senior goalie Diego Acevedo led the defense with eight saves, including one on a five-meter penalty shot, and three steals.

Bellevue (22-5) advances to Friday’s quarterfinals and will face Bainbridge Island at 3:00pm at Curtis High School.