Defending state champion Seattle Prep ended the Blazers’ season with a 3-0 victory in the first round of the Class 3A state tournament at Seattle’s Memorial Stadium on Tuesday night.
The loss ends the Blazers’ season at 9-7-2.
“I told them, ‘Look around. Don’t you want to come back and experience this again?’ ” Peltier said. “(The experience) can help you move on, which is hopefully winning next year at state.”
The Blazers, who have 16 underclassmen, have made big progress over the past two seasons, including qualifying for the state tournament this year for the first time since 1991, when record-setting goal scorer Jody Dutra was a senior forward.
In 2009, Peltier’s Blazers were 2-14, with both victories coming against North Thurston. Since then, the program has reached the 3A West Central/Southwest bi-district tournament in back-to-back seasons in addition to playing in the opening round of the 3A state tournament for the first time in 20 years.
“It’s a great experience,” Peltier said. “Any time you can get to the state tournament, just to have that experience.”
Timberline trailed 1-0 at halftime on a goal by Seattle Prep’s Kalynn Huebner in the 29th minute.
The Panthers added second-half goals by Mary Ann Santucci (47th minute) and Lauren Hallgrimson (73rd).
CLASS 2A
At Sehome 7, Black Hills 0: The Wolves, champions of the 2A Evergreen Conference, were shut out for the second time this season, and eliminated from the first round of the state playoffs by the District 1 champion Mariners of Bellingham at Civic Stadium. Black Hills finishes 16-3.
“They were an unbelievable team,” Wolves coach Lisa Summers said of Sehome. “(Like) nothing we have ever faced. We wish Sehome well. They taught us what the next level looks like.”
The Wolves went 11-1 in EvCo play and advanced to the state tournament for the third consecutive season. Sehome also ended Black Hills’ season in the first round of the state playoffs in 2009.
The future is bright for Black Hills. The team returns 13 players.
“I am proud of our leadership and excited for the youth that have so much to offer in the future,” Summers said.
