The fall season came to a close this past weekend with outstanding performances from our Blazers Cross Country team at the State Championships in Pasco, WA. Take a moment to read the final soccer, volleyball, and cross country recaps, which celebrate a successful and memorable season for the Blazers!
Cross Country
The setting for the State Championship Meet in Pasco, WA last weekend could not have been better – sunny skies and cool temperatures created ideal racing conditions for the five Blazers qualifiers. The girls set the tone early with two outstanding performances. Ryan E. ’27 started strong and maintained her position among the top ten throughout the race, executing her plan perfectly and finishing with an impressive 7th place podium finish. Isabelle O. ’27, the second Blazer in the girls race, ran with heart and determination from start to finish, placing 50th in a highly competitive field of 152 runners. The boys followed with equally strong showings. Kai A. ’26 ran a composed and strategic race, sticking to the plan he developed with coaches and earning an 11th place podium finish. Close behind was Luke M. ’28, who placed 19th and gained valuable experience to build on in future state competitions. Leo N. ’27 rounded out the Blazer contingent with his trademark late-race surge – overtaking six runners in the final stretch to secure 33rd place overall. It was an incredible weekend for the Blazers running program and a fitting way to close out a successful and inspiring fall season.
Girls Soccer
The girls soccer season came to an end in a hard-fought loser-out matchup against U Prep last Tuesday. While the result was not what the players and coaches had hoped for, the team gave fans plenty to cheer about and every reason to leave the field with their heads held high. The game featured two of the top four teams in the conference and delivered everything a soccer fan could ask for – intensity, skill, and heart. After falling behind 0–1, the Blazers battled back with relentless energy and determination. Makenna K. ’27 earned a foul in the box and, without hesitation, stepped up to take the penalty kick herself – burying it in the bottom right corner with precision, leaving the keeper no chance. After an intense 80 minutes of regulation play, the game headed into golden goal overtime. Despite a standout save from backup goalkeeper Cadence B. ’28, the rebound fell to a U Prep forward who immediately converted, sealing the win for the Pumas. The Blazers truly left everything on the field – fighting through one-on-ones, sprinting for every ball, and showing heart in every tackle. It was a memorable season filled with growth, grit, and pride. Thank you to our seniors for their leadership and impact, and congratulations to the team on a strong campaign. With a talented core returning, the future is bright for Blazers Soccer.
Girls Volleyball
The girls volleyball team traveled to Eastside Prep last Monday, hoping to extend their playoff run to the next round. The Blazers faced a tough Eagles squad that entered the matchup with strong momentum and ultimately secured the win in straight sets, 3–0. A torn lace on captain Eva F. ’26’s shoe did not slow her or the team down, as the Blazers rallied in the second set to take an 18–12 lead. However, after a well-timed Eastside Prep timeout, the Eagles regrouped, and despite the Blazers’ determined effort, the set slipped away. Eastside carried that momentum into the third to close out the match. While the season ended earlier than the team had hoped, there were plenty of highlights to celebrate: a thrilling 3–2 road victory over U Prep early in the season and a commanding 3–0 sweep of the Overlake Owls on their Senior Night are just a few of the memorable moments. The seniors played an instrumental role in the team’s successes over the past four years and will be deeply missed for their leadership and heart. With a talented group of underclassmen eager to build on this year’s experience, the Blazers are already setting their sights on another deep playoff run next season.
