The Munising Baptist soccer team had its sights set on winning the Northern Lights League tournament on Saturday.
The Bobcats reached the championship game, but they ran out of steam after a playing through a busy day, falling to tournament host Hannahville, 4-0.
“It was a great season that didn’t end quite how we wanted it to in the tournament. But we played three games in one day, and after a hard-fought first two games we held the No. 1 seed scoreless in the first half. But once the second half hit, our team was exhausted and Hannahville took the lead and didn’t look back,” head coach Hunter MacArthur said. “I’m extremely proud of our team and the fight they put up throughout the whole year. They are a great group of kids that make coaching very fun.”
Ethan Swift had 13 saves in the loss.
Munising Baptist opened the tournament with a 3-2 shootout victory over Ojibwe Charter and followed that with a 3-1 victory over Big Bay de Noc.
In the win over Ojibwe, Dylan Swift and Will Norton scored in regulation, with Trek picking up an assist. Ethan Swift and Jonny MacArthur netted goals in the shootout. Ethan Swift was in goal during the contest, making 12 saves.
In the win against Big Bay, Dylan Swift booted in a pair of goals, with Norton adding one. Ethan Swift recorded 13 saves.
On Tuesday, Oct. 8, the Bobcats played their final regular- season game at Hannahville. They were able to claim a 2-1 NLL victory in a shootout.
Dylan Swift had the goal in regulation. In the shootout, Dylan Swift, Ethan Swift and MacArthur netted goals. Ethan Swift was once again playing as goalkeeper and made 15 saves.
On Monday, Oct. 7, Munising Baptist had a home NLL contest with Big Bay, which they won 4-2. Dylan Swift sent in two goals and helped out with two assists while Trek and Gabe Heyrman netted one goal apiece. Ethan Swift played in goal and made 12 saves.
The Bobcats finish the season with a 9-4 overall record. They were 8-3 in the Northern Lights League, good for second place.
“I think this year was a great season that sadly ended differently than we wanted,” MacArthur said. “Our team showed great hustle and determination … and they fought hard in every tournament game. I’m extremely proud of this season and how hard the kids played. Next year I’m hoping to get a few more young kids to join to get a little more of a bench, but I think we should be able to contend for the championship next year as well. We lose three seniors but hopefully will be able to have some kids step up and fill their roles. I’m excited to see what next year will bring.”
