Cedarcrest Defeats Tumwater 3-0, Advances in State Soccer Tournament

In a decisive match on March 15, 2024, the Cedarcrest High School girls soccer team secured a 3-0 victory over Tumwater High School, eliminating the Thunderbirds from the Class 2A state tournament. The game took place at Cedarcrest High School, where the Red Wolves showcased their dominance throughout the match.

Cedarcrest opened the scoring early, with Sophia Hobson netting the first goal just six minutes into the game, assisted by Laine McKenzie. The Red Wolves maintained their momentum, with Jema Ward adding a second goal in the 23rd minute. Hobson struck again in the 35th minute, once more assisted by McKenzie, solidifying the Red Wolves’ lead going into halftime.

After the match, Tumwater’s head coach, Abbey Bergquist, addressed her team with a mix of pride and emotion. This marked only the sixth loss for Bergquist in her debut season, yet the significance of the game went beyond the numbers. “At the beginning of the year, we needed to decide what we wanted. This was pretty monumental for them and I’m really proud of them for making it happen,” she said.

Despite the loss, senior forward Kayla Pope emphasized the achievement of making it to the state tournament. “As a team, it was tough coming off the field, but realizing how far we made it, making state is a huge accomplishment,” Pope reflected. The Thunderbirds, seeded 10th, had a remarkable season, finishing with 14 wins and overcoming challenges throughout the year.

The Red Wolves, now with a record of 16 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw, will advance to the quarterfinals, where they will face the second-seeded West Valley (Spokane). Cedarcrest’s victory was largely attributed to their speed and skill on the field, particularly the connection between Hobson and McKenzie, who proved to be a formidable duo.

Bergquist noted the missed opportunities that led to the defeat, highlighting that the areas where Cedarcrest capitalized were points they had prepared for. “We just didn’t take care of the things that we said we were going to do,” she explained.

Tumwater had one of their best chances in the first half when Pope made a powerful move against her defender, but her shot hit the top bar and was subsequently cleared by Cedarcrest’s defense. The Thunderbirds began the second half aggressively, attempting to mount a comeback, but they ultimately failed to convert their efforts into goals.

Looking ahead, the focus shifts to the future for Tumwater. With a core group of promising players, including Brielle Clark, Jenna Graves, and Brynn Carson, Bergquist and Pope are optimistic about the potential for the 2025 season. “It starts with how we practice. It is our leadership and my responsibility to uphold those standards and expectations,” Bergquist stated.

Pope, despite the heartache of the loss, expressed gratitude for her time with the team. “It is where I found my peace of happiness,” she said, reflecting on the meaningful experiences shared with her teammates over the past four years. As the Thunderbirds regroup, the lessons learned this season will serve as motivation for the years to come.