The Blair High School girls soccer team dominated Bennington on Saturday during the Class B District 6 Final, claiming its first state qualification in 24 years.
The Bears (15-2 overall) scored three first-half goals and won 6-2 at Krantz Field. It was their third victory against the Badgers (10-9) this season and second in a row after Wednesday’s 3-0 subdistrict final win.
“I just wanted to control the game from the get-go and I thought we did that,” BHS coach Nick Hall said.
The Bears open NSAA Class B State Championships play Wednesday at Morrison Stadium in Omaha. They play Omaha Skutt at 2 p.m.
“They’re just a special group,” Hall said of his team. “And they want to be great.”
Against Bennington, senior Brynn Ray scored two of Blair’s three first-half goals. First, though, Kaitlynn O’Neil found the back of the net during the 10th minute.
Ahead 3-0, the Bears’ Laynie Brown, Cadence Field and Beau Wendt added three second half goals as the Badgers notched two. Notably, BHS’ lead was never less than three goals with Brooklyn Schroeter earning the win in goal.
Wednesday's state tournament appearance will be the Bears’ fifth in school history and first since 2001 when assistant coach Ashley Brown was a senior. Blair won the Class B championship in both 1999 and 2000, and finished second in 2001.
Full coverage of the Bears’ district win will appear in Tuesday’s Washington County Pilot-Tribune edition. Stories and photos will appear online here at enterprisepub.com/sports that same day.
