Garfield’s early start overcomes Snohomish late efforts

Garfield's junior midfielder Carl Barnes had a game high 6 points helping the Bulldog to win their first round playoff game with Snohomish.  Metro conference champions, Garfield entered the game as the one seed looking to get their first playoff win, since returning to Division 2 in 2010.  Standing in their way was the number one preseason ranked team, the Snohomish Panthers, who entered this game as a three seed from the highly competitive Cascade Conference.

From the opening whistle Garfield went to work, scoring the opening goal of the game in less than a minute.  Garfield wasted little time taking control as they would go on a multi-goal run and capitalizing on defensive mistakes made my Snohomish.  Despite the constant downfall of rain, they played a very methodical game, ensuring ball possession and precise passes.  Contributing to the Bulldogs victory was steady play by goalie Danny Strick who was a presence between the pipes, reliable help from his defense, especially in the clearing game, and controlling the draws at the face-off X.  On the offensive side of the ball, Carl Barnes chipped in 5 of the teams 11 goals, as well as an assist, while sophomore midfielder Jackson Lanning found the back of the net twice, and also tallied an assist.

The weather seemed to affect Snohomish in the first half as errant passes were frequent and providing extra opportunities for their opponent.  Some aggressive plays also slowed offensive progress down for the Panthers as they spent a lot of time in man-down situations throughout the night. In the first half Snohomish found some footing to build upon and start making headway, however, the sparks of brilliance were too far and in between.  A late fourth quarter comeback attempted to pump life into a team on cardiac arrest.  Trailing 11-5 with 9 minutes remaining in the game, the Panthers pieced together a string of transition goals to try to get them back into the game.  Unfortunately the push was not enough, as time expired, Garfield held on to an 11-7 lead for the win.  Solid performances for Snohomish came from Tippet and Pedersen.  Sophomore attackman Austin Tippett helped out with 2 goals.  Junior midfielder Josh Pedersen, who seemed be spearheading the team’s late drive got in the books with 2 goals and 1 assist.

As Garfield moves on in the playoff’s they will have to return to Wenatchee next Saturday May 21^st, in an attempt to take the rematch. Time and exact location are yet to be determined.

Keep checking in with WALAX.com for updates on WHSBLA D1 and D2 playoffs.