The thread to which Bayfield’s postseason hopes clung was most definitely thin.
But, fortunately, strong like spider silk.
Despite finishing regular-season play with just one win and one draw in their last four outings, the Lady Wolverines’ performance in 2024 was still good enough to net them a spot in the CHSAA Class 3A Girls Soccer State Tournament.
Sitting in second place in the Southwestern League this spring with a 2-1-3 mark and standing 6-6-3 overall after a 3-0 home loss Friday to 4A Grand Junction Central, BHS is seeded 32nd out of 32 teams chosen to contend for the state title. Its next opponent is unblemished Colorado Academy on Thursday in Denver. Kickoff at Firman Field is set for 4 p.m.
“You know, I’m really happy the girls’ hard work paid off,” said Bayfield head coach Scott Key. “They were dedicated; one of our goals was to make it to the state tournament and it’s nice that we were able to accomplish that. The girls are excited; obviously it’s a tall task, but I think it just shows growth of our program. It’s a step in the right direction.
Colorado Academy posted a 12-6 overall record last season, which was ended by Broomfield Jefferson Academy in the state semifinals. The Lady Mustangs already stand 13-0 overall in ’24. Most recently, CA polished off a 9-0 mark in the 2A/3A Metro League.
“We have nothing to lose,” Key said. “We’ve only got things to gain, so we’re going to go up there and try to play hard … do what we do. But we’ve also got some fun activities for the girls to do, to make it memorable.”
The Bayfield-CA winner will next face 16-seed Denver Science & Tech: College View (9-1-3 overall) or 17-seed Bennett (11-3-1 overall). Those two are also set to duel at 4 p.m. on Thursday.
Bayfield hasn’t faced Colorado Academy since 2012, when CA narrowly won that ‘Sweet 16’ contest 1-0.
