The Blair High School girls soccer team is undefeated through eight games.
With its start, the Bears have already surpassed last season's win total. Saturday's 4-0 home win against Class A Omaha Westview pushed it past that mark.
Senior Valeria Hernandez believes BHS' improved depth this spring is a big reason why it's in position to continue its strong start into a strong finish.
“It's helpful,” she said.
The midfielder scored during the first half of Saturday's match with the Wolverines as did freshman Laynie Brown. Hernandez's was the result of a Claire Anderson corner kick.
“It just came straight at me, so you're first reaction is just to kick it in,” she said. “That's what I did.”
Brynn Ray and Claire Anderson added second-half goals, too, while freshman Regan Blattert notched her fifth shutout of the Bears' 8-0 start. The goalkeeper feels her team's work during the winter months contributed to her defense's early success.
“I got more comfortable,” she said. “Obviously, a lot of our backs are seniors. So, I had to make that new connection with them, building their trust.”
Their bonds have helped keep the opposition off of the scoreboard this season.
“Trust is a big deal for the team,” Blattert explained.
While Blair is rolling this season, players are well aware the schedule increases in difficulty from here. Last year's team started 7-2 before losing its last seven games.
“It's going to be good matchups coming up,” Blattert said.
The Bears know they can't look past any opponent with Plattsmouth, Norris, Bennington, Elkhorn and more still ahead.
“Definitely just take it one game at a time,” Hernandez said, describing what she believes will help the Bears continue their success. “We have to just focus on the moment.”
Bears win Concordia, North matches
Coach Nick Hall's BHS team earned a pair of wins against Class B opposition March 27 and Thursday.
It's sixth win came of the season came against Omaha Concordia before the Bears' upset of the Omaha World-Herald's preseason No. 4 team — Elkhorn North.
First up, though, the Bears won a 9-2 match at Concordia on March 27. The game was scheduled for March 26, but was pushed to 24 hours later due to concerns about low temperatures.
So, under the evening sun, BHS surrendered the opening goal to the Mustangs before responding with seven in a row. They finished with nine scores overall, including Ryen Anderson's penalty kick during the 57th minute when the home team had pulled within 7-2.
Brown, however, finished the game with her first hat trick, finding the back of the net during the 15th, 30th and 43rd minutes. Her 30th-minute header came on Claire Anderson's corner kick.
“I knew I wanted to get out here and score some, and be aggressive,” Brown said after the seven-goal victory.
Ninth-graders Kaitlynn O'Neil and Emmi Hall scored two goals apiece, too, while Claire Anderson, a sophomore, capped the game with her own in a one-on-one scenario.
“Our midfield did a really good job,” Brown said, crediting the Bears' passers. Ryen Anderson, Hernandez, Claire Anderson, O'Neil, Katie Kramer and Gueryn Kay all notched assists.
Defensively, however, both Blattert and Brooklyn Schroeter played in goal behind their defense. Senior Wrylee Osterhaus said her side of the formation enjoyed watching the forwards score again and again in front of them.
“I love it,” she said. “It's nice to have a lead so we're not so stressed and high-strung in the back.”
A day later, Ray shook off an injury against Concordia and scored three goals versus the fourth-ranked Elkhorn North Wolves. Her second score during the 33rd minute produced a 2-1 home lead before her third pushed the Bears' advantage to two goals.
After North pulled within 3-2, though, Hall notched her third goal in two days with just a little more than 8 minutes remaining at Krantz Field. Her score was enough to hold off the Wolves.
Blattert added one more stop down the stretch, though, stealing the ball with two mitts from just above the head of an eager Wolf in the box. The freshman improved to 7-0 as Blair's starter with the win and 8-0 two days later.
BHS SOCCER LINE SCORES
Saturday
Blair 4, Omaha Westview 0
OW (4-2) 0 0 — 0
BHS (8-0) 2 2 — 4
Goals: Blair: Laynie Brown, Valeria Hernandez, Brynn Ray and Claire Anderson.
Thursday
Blair 4, No. 4 Elkhorn North 2
EN (2-3) 1 1 — 2
BHS (7-0) 2 2 — 4
Goals: Blair: Ray 3 and Emmi Hall.
March 27
Blair 9, Omaha Concordia 2
BHS (6-0) 6 3 — 9
OC (2-5) 1 1 — 2
Goals: Blair: Brown 3, Kaitlynn O'Neil 2, Hall 2, C.Anderson and Ryen Anderson. Concordia: Emery Secrest and Mikayla Olson.
