BHS wins league title as freshman’s header again beats NK

By Elisha Meyer Kitsap News Group • October 30, 2024 1:30 am

For the second time in October, Magda Rufo-Hill proved in dramatic fashion that her coach’s decision to promote her to varsity was a wise one.

The freshman found herself once again in the right place at the right time Oct. 29 against the North Kitsap Vikings, who left her with plenty of open space as a corner kick from Bainbridge senior Laine Romney sailed in front of the Viking goal. Rufo-Hill had tallied the Spartans only goal against NK in Poulsbo Oct. 3, an overtime score that gave the Spartans the sole lead in the Olympic League standings.

Now, with a chance to help Bainbridge complete a perfect league season at home, a more confident Rufo-Hill said: “This is my ball. I almost didn’t even see it, but I just knew I wanted to get my head on it.”

As she had just weeks before, she would put an end to the back-and-forth struggle by sending a header into the back of the net, breaking a seemingly endless 0-0 regulation tie and sending the Spartans into an ecstatic frenzy with around eight minutes to go.

The final whistle signaled the full celebration, the 1-0 victory clinching the Olympic League regular-season crown and polishing off a perfect in-league run for Bainbridge.

“For that goal, it was such a quality goal,” Spartan coach Katie Drovdahl said. “Just having the confidence of knowing that it will come, and you don’t have to panic. (NK) had moments where they were more in control, but yeah, just trying to have that confidence and know we can score.”

The Spartans were in the driver’s seat from the get-go and nearly found a quick lead, but junior Izzi Pujolar was unable to capitalize after dribbling past the NK goalkeeper before sending the ball wide of the goal.

It was a night of frustrating close shots by both sides. Even a shot by senior Grace Rich that found the inside post of the goal impossibly bounced back onto the field of play.

Drovdahl credited her girls with making the needed adjustments. “We talked about that, needing to transition quicker offensively and defensively,” she said. “We were a couple steps behind them, especially in the midfield in the first half.”

Both teamswill now set their eyes on districts, which begin Nov. 2. The top four seeds in District 3 will earn byes to the quarterfinals Nov. 5.

Drovdahl felt relieved with having a clearer path to the postseason as a 2A school in a 2A league. Previously BHS was 3A and had to have a play-in game. “You feel like you’re in charge of your destiny a little bit more, because before, it was just so hard (in 3A). I would think we’d be seeded in the top four.”