HELENA — Melina Hammer scored the go-ahead goal late in the second half, beating the blistering weather and Missoula Big Sky’s stout defense, as Helena High held off the Western AA’s top-seeded Eagles 2-1 on Tuesday evening. The loss dropped Big Sky to 8-2-1 on the season.
Hammer took advantage of a scramble in front of the goal, poking the ball through two defenders and the Big Sky keeper, Grace Denman, to give the Bengals a 2-1 advantage. Helena’s defense held the Eagles in check in the final minutes to secure the win.
Whitney Morrison scored the lone goal for Big Sky, while Grace Lawlor added the other score for Helena (4-5-3).
The boys game saw less drama on Tuesday afternoon, as Helena shut out the Eagles for a 4-0 victory. Caven Wade led a Bengals attack that dominated time of possession and shots on goal, as Helena High improved to 9-2-1 after winning the regular-season finale.
According to WallSoccer.net, the Bengals have secured the No. 2 seed in the Western AA, earning an automatic bye to the Class AA state tournament, which opens in Helena on Thursday, Oct. 25. Missoula Hellgate (10-0-1), the three-time defending champion, is top-seeded in the Western AA.
Missoula Big Sky fell to 0-11 following the shutout. The Eagles have struggled to score this season, tallying only two goals on the year. Big Sky hosts Helena Capital on Thursday.
