The Cashmere Bulldogs girls soccer team kicked off the 1A State Tournament in impressive fashion Wednesday evening, defeating the visiting Tenino Beavers 6–3 in front of a packed home crowd at the Cashmere Soccer Field. With the win, the No. 5-seeded Bulldogs (19–2) advance to the state quarterfinals for the third straight season, where they’ll travel to face No. 4 Montesano on Saturday at 5 p.m.
The Bulldogs wasted no time setting the tone, striking just two minutes into the match when senior Erin Irelan finished a cross from Gwen Ledesma to give Cashmere an early 1–0 lead. In the 18th minute, junior Brynne Patrick doubled the advantage with a spectacular 35-yard free kick that sailed over the keeper and into the net.
Tenino cut the deficit to 2–1 moments later as Callie Mickleson turned quickly at the top of the box and fired a shot past the Bulldogs’ keeper. But Cashmere answered in the 35th minute when Makelah Gatens set up Patrick for her second goal of the night, restoring the two-goal cushion. Gatens then added one of her own three minutes later, sending the Bulldogs into halftime up 4–1.
The Beavers came out aggressive after the break, narrowing the margin to 4–2 in the 44th minute. Cashmere responded in the 58th minute when Gwen Ledesma found the back of the net from close range to extend the lead to 5–2. Tenino struck back with a free kick that found the back post in the 60th minute, trimming the lead to 5–3. But the Bulldogs sealed the match late when freshman Elle Jacobson sent a pinpoint cross to Gatens, who buried her second goal of the night to cap the scoring at 6–3.
Cashmere dominated statistically, outshooting Tenino 19–7 and earning 10 corner kicks to the Beavers’ two. The Bulldogs’ midfield trio of Ledesma, Addie Talley, and Alyssa Soria controlled possession throughout the night, setting the tone for a confident team performance.
With the victory, Cashmere moves one step closer to its goal of a state title. The Bulldogs will now travel west to take on Montesano in the quarterfinals, looking to advance to the semifinals for the second straight year.
