Manti out of playoffs with 3-2 loss to Summit Academy Saturday
Bob Bahlmann
Staff writer
10-20-2016
MANTI—After a dominant 9-0 first round win over American Preparatory Academy, the Manti girl’s soccer team saw their state championship hopes come to an end against Summit Academy in a 3-2 loss on Saturday.
For the second year in a row, the Templars season came to an end on a freaky goal in the closing seconds of a double-overtime game against a private school. The Bears slipped a long shot just over the outstretched fingers of Jentry Young and just below the crossbar for the 3-2 win.
Against American Preparatory, the Templars were unstoppable, getting six goals in the first half and then coasting to three more in the second.
Brynlee Golding scorched the net for four goals, Avalin Cook and Jamie Bawden had two each and Meg Larson had one.
The game against Summit Academy was a battle from the get-go, with the Bears matching Manti’s speed and skill level.
Manti drew first blood six minutes into the game when Larson dropped a free kick over the defenders and in front of Bawden who was open down the center for the goal.
Summit Academy responded when a lucky bounce came off the far right goal post and went in to tie the game 1-1.
Second half action saw the Lady Templars playing more aggressively, with Cook earning a yellow card before leaving the game with an ankle injury.
Manti regained the lead with about five minutes left in the game when a shot from about 20 yards out found the left corner of the net.
The Bears answered with a free kick score just out of reach to the right corner, forcing overtime. The first ten minutes of extra play went scoreless, and it looked like the game was headed for a shootout when a long distance shot by the Bears squeezed between Young’s fingertips and the cross bar to give Summit Academy the win with just seconds left in the second overtime.
The Templars finished the season as undisputed Region 15 champions. They were undefeated in region competition and had an overall record of 10-4-1.
