Coach Bob Hamlin has been at the helm of the Bethel Bees boys’ soccer team for a long time. One of the annual traditions is seems like for the Bees is a good tournament run. This year is no different.

The Bees advanced last night’s sectional championship game with a 2-0 victory over Sidney Lehman on Saturday night at Bethel High School.

Bethel played their league rivals from Newton last night, after deadline in the sectional finals, and the winner comes back on Saturday at a location and time to be announced.

“I thought this was a well-played soccer match tonight, especially considering the weather conditions,” said Hamlin, who watched as his team battled Lehman in a rain all evening. “We were able to move the ball pretty well, but just couldn’t get that last pass to put is in dangerous position.”

Midway through the first half, the Bees got on the board when Joe Miller headed the corner kick into the net for the games’ first goal, off the kick from Korry Hamlin.

“We made an adjustment in the second half and had some great penetration on the wings, and played some great balls. But again, Lehman’s defense toughened up and didn’t allowed us to score.”

Trying to add an insurance goal, Bethel’s Zach Cohee was taken down in the box and Evan Hawthorn ripped the penalty kick into the net, extending the lead.

“I was pleased with our intensity tonight, and hopefully we can continue this.”

*To get to the semi’s, the Bees had to defeat Sidney Fairlawn, which they did in their opener 6-0.

Sam McKenny scored twice, while single goals from Riley Shaffer, Tyler Brueckman, Cohee and Hawthorn all added goals for the Bees.

“I think we wore Fairlawn out in this game, they go all out and put so much pressure on the ball,” Hamlin said. “They were much better than a #22 seed.”

“We passed the ball well at times, and made some good runs. Now we just have to get it all in sync (for a tournament run).”

*The Bethel girls’ team saw their season come to a close last week, with a 3-0 loss on the road at Greeneview.