Bellevue tops Shorewood in Sudden Death OT
In their home opener on March 19th at Woodridge Pool, the Bellevue High Girls Water Polo team outlasted Shorewood to win 4-3 in sudden death overtime.
Playing without starting two-meter Sophie Quynn, the Wolverines turned to their post-up game to generate offense. During the first half, the Wolverines manufactured several post-up shots and ejections but were unable to convert, leading to a scoreless first half. In the third quarter, Bellevue turned up the offense and scored two goals, both by junior captain Julie Mao. Shorewood scored their first goal of the game to end the period down 2-1. In the fourth quarter, the Wolverines had several 6-on-5 opportunities but were unable to convert. Late in the period, Shorewood scored on a five-meter penalty shot to even the game at 2-2. Bellevue had a chance to win at the end of regulation when sophomore Maggie Ugelstad earned an ejection, but was unable to capitalize on its 6-on-5 advantage.
In overtime, senior driver Lucy Stokes made her first career goalie appearance, filling in for senior captain Sierra Anderson. Stokes played admirably, registering four saves and two steals. Still, Shorewood took their first lead of the game during the first 3-minute OT period to go up 3-2. Shooting deep in the second OT, Bellevue had multiple chances but was unable to score. On Bellevue’s final possession with 20 seconds left, freshman Morgan Baker scored her first career varsity goal to even the game at 3-3, forcing sudden death OT. In sudden death, Bellevue earned yet another ejection on a post-up. This time the Wolverines converted, as Maggie Ugelstad hit the game-winner on an outside shot.
Bellevue (2-0) travels to Roosevelt on Monday evening at 9:00pm.
