In a very physical boys’ soccer match last week, the Bethel Bees knocked off Yellow Springs 4-2 in a non-league game that would go a long way toward last weekend’s seeding for the post season sectional tournament, which begins next week.
“This was a very intense battle, especially in the second half,” said Bethel coach Bob Hamlin. “At the start, I think we surprised Yellow Springs with the pace we played at and created numerous opportunities.”
Korry Hamlin put the Bees on the board first with an unassisted goal, as he gathered up a loose ball in the box and scored to give the Bees the early 1-0 lead. That was the only score of the first 40 minutes, as Bethel took a slim 1-0 lead into the break.
The action and scoring picked up in the second half. With 25 minutes left, the Bees scored twice within two minutes, as Tyler Brueckman made it 2-0 with a goal from Collin Rust. Within minutes, Hamlin made it 3-0 on another unassisted goal from the corner.
With 21 minutes left, Yellow Springs scored to cut their deficit to 3-1.
The key of the game according to the Bethel coach was when Zach Cohee was taken down in the box and Evan Hawthorn scored on the penalty kick, giving the Bees a 4-1 lead, and icing the win for Bethel.
“This was a big game tonight as both teams were in the top five in the Dayton area, and with tournament seeing happening (this past Sunday), this was a good win for us.”
“I am very proud of our teams’ effort tonight and keeping their wits about them in a highly emotional game.”
*Bethel came back with a 6-0 win against Twin Valley South, as Hamlin and Hawthorn each scored twice, with Sam McKenny and Evan Hart scoring once. Bethel is now 11-2-1 on the season.
Bethel Girls Soccer- Bethel and conference foe Twin Valley South played to a 0-0 tie last week in girls’ soccer action. The Bees also came back on Saturday and fell short to Anna in a non-league contest 2-1, as Erica Turner scored the lone goal of the game for the Bees.
Bethel Volleyball- Bethel defeated Stivers 25-20, 25-20, 25-23 for their sixth win of the season, led by senior Tia Koewler with 13 kills, 11 digs, eight assists and 12 aces. Junior Mikayla Hoeferlin added four kills and two aces, while senior Bailey McCabe added nine digs.
*The Bees came back last week with a straight set win over Tri County North 25-12, 25-21, 25-15. Koewler again led with 10 kills and nine assists, while sophomore Alaina Hawthorn added six kills. Hoeferlin had five aces while McCabe contributed 14 digs for the Bees.
Bethel Cross Country- Bethel ran at the Anna Invitational on Saturday, and finished 18th overall. Connor Whelan led the Bees with a 131st place finish in a time of 19:30. He was followed by Chase Heck in 134th place in a time of 19:33, Benton Wright in 155th place in a time of 19:57, Max Schell in 192nd place in a time of 21:16, Brian Pencil in 205th place in a time of 21:42, Sam Pencil in 244rd place in a time of 24:19, Brandon Gilbert in 247th place in a time of 24:29 and Jacob vanTilburg in 253rd place in a time of 25:26.
Kaitlyn Balkcom led the girls with a 118th place finish in a time of 23:57. She was followed by Morgan Jergens in 180th place in a time of 28:12 and Olivia Norris in 194th place in a time of 30:26.
Bethel Football- Despite trailing by two touchdowns in the opening quarter, the Bethel Bees fought back to knock Twin Valley South out of the conference lead with a 22-21 victory on the road Friday night.
“I am very proud of these kids after three tough games against Covington, Tri County North and Miami East,” said Bethel coach Scott Clodfelter. Our kids were down 14-0 right away and could have folded, but they hung around and got the job done.”
“We kept moving the ball without much problem, but kept turning it over.”
Bethel trailed 14-7 at the half, and according to Clodfelter, the Bees kept fighting through the second half.
“They fought hard, and I kept seeing little glimpses from these kids on how to win close games,” the Bees coach said. “It was the second game we have won at the wire, and the development is coming along that the kids are expecting to win.”
Josh Wills took game on shoulders in the fourth quarter, and had a huge game for the Bees. He scored all three touchdowns, and a field goal was added by Stetson Peake with just over three minutes left to give the Bees the lead.
Bethel is 3-4 and this week and the Bees play National Trail on Friday for their Homecoming game.
