Bellevue falls to Roosevelt, 11-8

After winning their first two games of the 2014 season, the Wolverines suffered their first defeat at the hands of the Roosevelt Roughriders on Monday night.

Bellevue took an early first-quarter lead when junior captain Julie Mao buried a man-up goal near the end of the first-quarter. While the first quarter was a defensive battle, the second quarter provided plenty of offensive fireworks. Bellevue scored three goals — two by Mao and one by sophomore Alexis Taber. But Roosevelt tallied five goals of their own to end the first half leading 5-4.

In the third quarter, sophomore Alexis Taber earned two of her team-leading three ejections and Nina Stash added two ejections drawn. Unfortunately, the Wolverines were unable to convert their 6-on-5 opportunities and came away scoreless in the period. Meanwhile, Roosevelt scored on two 6-on-5’s to pad their lead to 7-4.

Roosevelt continued their offensive output early in the fourth quarter, scoring two more goals. With the Wolverines facing a five-goal deficit, Mao and freshman Morgan Baker sparked a late-game run. Both Wolverines scored post-up and man-up goals to narrow the deficit to two with two minutes remaining. But the Wolverines were unable to get any closer, ultimately falling 11-8.

Senior co-captain Sierra Anderson had another strong performance in goal, recording 11 saves and three steals. Mao led the Wolverines with five goals, while Taber led the team with three assists and three ejections drawn.

Bellevue (2-1) faces Bainbridge Island on Wednesday afternoon at Woodridge Pool.