The Montesano Bulldogs secured a convincing victory in their district tournament opener, defeating the Kalama Eagles 7-2 on March 5, 2024, at Montesano High School. This victory propels the Bulldogs into the semifinals of the 1A District 4 tournament, showcasing their offensive prowess and teamwork.
Montesano, boasting a record of 14 wins, 1 loss, and 2 draws, saw an impressive performance from senior forward Lex Stanfield. He led the charge with four goals and an assist, demonstrating his skill and determination on the field. Junior forward Jaelyn Butterfield contributed significantly with two goals and an assist, while sophomore midfielder Lainey Robinson also found the back of the net twice. The Bulldogs maintained a dominant presence throughout the match, registering 14 shots, 11 of which were on target.
Kalama, whose season record stands at 7 wins, 8 losses, and 2 draws, struggled to keep pace with Montesano. The Eagles managed only four shots, two of which were on target. Montesano’s goalkeepers, Izzie Taylor and Amelia Willis, each made two saves, further contributing to the team’s success.
With this victory, Montesano is set to face Rochester at 18:00 local time on Thursday in the semifinals. Earlier this season, the Bulldogs had defeated the Warriors in two encounters, outscoring them a combined 11-0.
Ocosta’s Season Ends with Loss to Adna
In a separate matchup, Ocosta’s season concluded with a 3-1 defeat against Adna in the 1B/2B District 4 tournament, held at Centralia College. The Wildcats, finishing their season with a record of 5 wins, 5 losses, and 3 draws, fell behind early, trailing 2-0 within the first 20 minutes of the game.
Ocosta head coach Daniel Langer emphasized a positive mindset during halftime, encouraging his players to recognize their capabilities. Despite their efforts, including several free kicks and corner opportunities in the second half, Ocosta could not convert those chances into goals. Adna extended its lead to 3-0 in the 72nd minute before Ocosta’s sophomore Bristol Towle scored, assisted by junior midfielder Scarlett Nelson. However, the late goal was insufficient to change the outcome.
Langer expressed pride in his team’s performance, highlighting their resilience and growth throughout the season. The coach noted that Towle finished the season as the team’s leading scorer with six goals, while Nelson topped the team in assists.
As the district tournament progresses, Montesano and Rochester prepare for their semifinal clash, while Ocosta looks to build on their experiences as they prepare for the next season.
