Bainbridge, NK, Klahowya advance to state quarterfinals; Kingston eliminated

By Elisha Meyer Kitsap News Group • November 14, 2024 1:30 am
Elisha Meyer/Kitsap News Group North Kitsap junior Addy Jueco tries to get the ball from a Lumberjills player in the first half of the Vikings’ state opener.
Elisha Meyer/Kitsap News Group North Kitsap junior Addy Jueco tries to get the ball from a Lumberjills player in the first half of the Vikings’ state opener.

Three Kitsap schools secured a trio of shutouts, punching their tickets to the state quarterfinals while one saw its season end after playing opening round matches Nov. 13.

Bainbridge opened state tournament play at home vs. Hockinson, where freshman Daphne Jackson’s 27th-minute goal put the Spartans ahead 1-0 in the first half. Senior Laine Romney padded the lead with a goal in the second half while Bainbridge kept the visitors’ offense locked down en route to a 2-0 victory.

The win marked the Spartans’ first state tournament victory since they last appeared in state in 2013. They will travel to Civic Stadium in Bellingham for their next match Nov. 16 at 1 p.m. A victory would bring the program to the semifinals for the first time since 1981.

North Kitsap would also score a first-half goal to take the lead in its opening-round match against R.A Long in Poulsbo. NK freshman Vianney Garcia Deluna scored in the 35th minute, beating the Lumberjills goalie to a diagonal downfield pass and shooting into an empty net. That goal would be enough as the Vikings’ 1-0 win sets up a date against undefeated West Valley (Spokane), which won its opening match 9-0 vs. Chief Seattle. It’s North Kitsap’s first trip to the quarterfinals since 2019.

Kingston’s first trip to state since 2013 was cut short by Columbia River in Vancouver, losing 5-0 to end its season.

In 3A, No. 13 Central Kitsap won their opening game in state 4-0 against No. 20 Mountlake Terrace Nov. 12. The Cougars move on to play at No. 4 Oak Harbor Nov. 15 at 7 p.m.

In 1A, Seraphina Bell’s 11th minute goal in the second half would give Klahowya a 1-0 home victory over Bear Creek, the Eagles advancing to the state quarterfinals for the fourth-straight year. No. 5 Klahowya will face No. 4 Cashmere Nov. 16 at 1 p.m. for a spot in the state championship.