The Soldotna High School Rocket League team was swept by Steller Secondary School in Anchorage and eliminated from the playoffs in a semifinal match closer than the 4-0 score would imply.
The first of four games played in the match was a resounding defeat for the Stars, clocking in at 3-0 for Steller, but in each of the other games the Stars held Steller to a tighter margin, nearly taking some of the games.
Nearly a minute into the second game, Soldotna’s Bryce LeFevre scored a goal and brought the Stars up 1-0. The goal was quickly responded to with a tying point by Jackson Lilly from Steller.
The Stars had several close misses as they sent balls toward the net, but the game was held tied until fewer than 30 seconds remained — when Lilly again sent one in.
Now down in 2-0 in the match, the Stars pushed hard to stay in the fight. Game 3 ended with 4-2 for Steller on the board, again sealed in the last 30 seconds off a goal by Lilly. Goals were scored by Soldotna’s Connor Gossman and Graehm LeFevre.
The fourth and final game opened strong with a goal by Bryce in the first 30 seconds. The score stayed 1-0 until exactly the halfway point, when Steller’s Mick Mason tied the game. Less than a minute later, Gossman re-established the Stars’ lead. Two goals right at the end by Steller sealed the match.
“I see our problem,” Bryce said as the last game closed. “Mistakes.”
After the match, Bryce said he knew they were playing into a good team — but he said Soldotna brought a good team as well. He credited Steller’s tight defense as making the difference.
Bryce, a senior, has led Rocket League at SoHi on more than one playoff run, but won’t be returning next year. Leaving his teammates behind — including his brother — he said he hopes they keep the streak running next year.
“Hopefully they can make it to the playoffs — and possibly win state,” he said.
Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.
