The Cashmere Bulldogs girls soccer team opened the 2026 season in impressive fashion Thursday, rolling past the visiting Wapato Wolves 17-0 in the season opener for both teams and the first SCAC matchup of the year.
Cashmere wasted little time setting the tone. Freshman Claudia McElearney opened the scoring in the third minute, assisted by senior Gwen Ledesma. Ledesma then scored in the sixth minute off an assist from freshman Violet Rieke before adding another goal in the eighth minute, assisted by senior Addie Talley.
McElearney struck again in the ninth minute with Ledesma providing the assist. Talley then scored twice in the 16th and 17th minutes, both assisted by junior Makelah Gatens, before Gatens found the back of the net in the 18th minute with an assist from Talley.
Patrick added a goal in the 20th minute directly from a corner kick for an Olympico goal, then assisted Gatens on another scoring play in the 23rd minute. Rieke added an unassisted goal in the 24th minute, and freshman Amelia Sandlin scored an unassisted goal in the 30th minute.
Cashmere added one more before halftime, with junior Peyton Irelan scoring an unassisted goal in the 40th minute to give the Bulldogs a commanding 12-0 lead at the break.
Early in the second half, Talley scored in the 44th minute with Ledesma providing the assist, while Patrick found the net in the 46th minute with Talley assisting. Sandlin scored again in the 50th minute after receiving an assist from Ledesma.
Freshman Harper Kerns scored in the 55th minute, assisted by Madelyn Vela, before Kerns added an unassisted goal in the 58th minute.
The match ended after 60 minutes under the mercy rule, giving the Bulldogs a 17-0 victory to open the season.
While the scoreline was impressive, Cashmere’s biggest strength may have been its depth. All 18 players on the Bulldogs roster received significant playing time and contributed to a complete team effort.
Goalkeeper Ellie Van Winkle and the Cashmere defense were outstanding throughout the match, keeping Wapato off the scoreboard. Senior Sydney McIver, returning to the lineup after missing last season with an ACL injury, anchored the backline and provided a major boost to the Bulldogs’ defense.
Cashmere was equally impressive in possession, moving the ball with confidence, connecting passes and maintaining its tactical focus for the full 60 minutes.
The victory also extended two notable streaks. The Bulldogs have now won eight consecutive home games dating back to last season, while Wapato has dropped 11 straight games dating back to last season.
Cashmere will look to make it two wins to start the season Saturday when the Bulldogs travel to Zillah to take on the Leopards.
