COLUMBUS — Pierce County’s record-setting season came to an end here Monday afternoon inside Odis Spencer Stadium with a 5-0 loss to Columbus in an “Elite 8” match.
The fifth-seed Lady Bears’ (13-4) had their 13match winning streak and 13-match scoreless streak ended by the fourth-seed Lady Blue Devils (13-5), who won their ninth consecutive match.
PCHS’s bid for its firstever “Final Four” appearance was the fifth attempt in program history. The Lady Bears have reached the quarterfinals the last three years.
Host Columbus broke through for three goals over the final 20 minutes of the first half on goals by Sophia Bussey, Clara Fuller and Bryleigh Fekete for a 30 halftime advantage.
The Lady Blue Devils received goals from Savannah Adams and Maddie Maholick in the second half.
Columbus will meet top-seed defending champion Pike County in the semifinals. Union County, seeded 14th, travels to second- seed Coahulla Falls in the other semifinal matchup.
The region champion Lady Bears had nine players recognized for all-Region 3-AA honors by region coaches. Maya Cochran was tabbed the Most Outstanding Player of the Year with head coach Abby Cuneo receiving Coach of the Year honors.
Four players were named First Team all-Region. The list includes Liza Thornton, Brylee Walker, Kaylee Figueroa and Addie Jordan.
Sylvie Branch, Jayli Sierra and Isabella Marx received Second Team all-Region recognition. Emma Strickland earned honorable mention status.
