CAMAS — Because of earlier postponements, the Camas girls soccer team was playing its fourth match of the week.
By the time the Papermakers finish play in the 4A bi-district playoffs, they will have played six matches in 11 days.
It’s a good thing they like to spend time around each other.
“We’re really just well-connected on and off the field,” junior Parker Mairs said. “That just makes us connect good on the field, making those connections and scoring.”
Those connections were on full display Saturday, as the Papermakers beat Rogers of Puyallup 3-0 in the Class 4A bi-district playoffs, clinching a state tournament berth in the process.
“This group of kids they just have a lot of cohesion,” Camas coach Keri Tomasetti said. “They simply just like each other. We’ve been fortunate the last few years that we have a good chemistry with the girls. When everything is not perfect on the field, they still work and support each other.”
The Papermakers have the support of an outstanding backline on defense.
“Our defense this year has honestly stepped it up,” senior forward Bella Burns said. “We’ve had no goals scored on us in all our league games, which is really impressive.”
Their two team captains are goalkeeper Keely Wieczorek and defender Madeline Johnson. Saturday’s win was Camas’ 12th shutout of the season.
“Keely, of course, is phenomenal,” Tomasetti said. “You couldn’t ask for a better goalkeeper. Her leading that back line, along with MJ and Hannah (Terry) as our center backs, then Emme (Nieto) and Abby (Doyle) on the outside, they’re just strong. .. That is probably our biggest strength, our backline.”
And the Papermakers also have playmakers up front.
In the 25th minute, Mairs fed a ball downfield and Burns was able to get between the Rogers goalkeeper and the ball, then punch in Camas’ first goal.
In the 51st minute, Mairs punched in a cross from Saige McCusker for a 2-0 goal. Freshman Paige Curl capped the scoring in the 68th minute.
“We’re connecting,” Mairs said. “Like midfield on those through-balls, we’re communicating. We’re on the same page a lot of the time, which is good, because we know each other so well.”
Camas takes on Sumner next in the bi-district semifinal on Tuesday at Olympia High School.
CAMAS 3, ROGERS-PUYALLUP 0
Camas
Goals (assists) — Bella Burns (Parker Mairs); Mairs (Saige McCusker); Paige Curl (Burns). Goalkeepers — Keely Wieczorek, Riley Hodson.
Halftime — Camas 1-0.
