The Cashmere Bulldogs girls soccer team is heading back to the 1A State Tournament after a commanding 7-3 victory over the Cascade Kodiaks in the District 5 Semifinals on Thursday night. The win also secures Cashmere a spot in the District 5 Championship match.
It had been two years since the Bulldogs and Kodiaks last faced off, but Cashmere wasted no time setting the tone in their latest meeting. Sophomore Makelah Gatens opened the scoring in the 6th minute, tapping in a pass from Gwen Ledesma to give the Bulldogs an early 1-0 lead. Just five minutes later, Brynne Patrick doubled the advantage, slotting home a precise finish off a Quinn Pace assist.
Cascade responded quickly, cutting the lead in half with a free kick goal by Ada Missal in the 15th minute. The Kodiaks then drew level when Amaya Blue found the near post from 12 yards out in the 28th minute.
Cashmere answered back in emphatic fashion. Patrick netted her second goal of the night in the 34th minute to reclaim the lead, and just three minutes later, Ledesma showcased her dribbling skills to weave through defenders and finish for a 4-2 halftime advantage.
The Bulldogs kept their foot on the gas after the break. Patrick completed her hat trick in the 41st minute, extending the lead to 5-2. Cascade converted a penalty kick in the 47th minute to narrow the gap, but Cashmere continued to control the pace. Ledesma struck again in the 59th minute, and Gatens capped off the scoring with her second goal of the match from 16 yards out.
Patrick’s attacking display highlighted her impressive transition this season from defense to forward, while midfielders Ledesma and Addie Talley were instrumental in breaking up Cascade’s high-powered offense and controlling possession.
With the win, Cashmere improves to 17-2 on the season and clinches its berth in the state tournament. Next up, the Bulldogs will face the Naches Valley Rangers in the District 5 Championship on Saturday, November 8 at 5:00 p.m. The title match will be played at David Nielsen Stadium in Royal City.
