MARYSVILLE — The Marysville-Pilchuck Girls Soccer team was knocked out in the first round of the 3A State Tournament, Nov. 12, when they fell to Bishop Blanchet 2-1.

Bishop Blanchet took a 2-0 lead in the first half, and despite being shut out in the second half, was able to hang on for the victory. M-P’s only goal came in the 54th minute, when senior Amanda Klep scored on a penalty kick.

“We had multiple opportunities in the first half but, unfortunately, we just didn’t get a goal,” said M-P Girls Soccer Head Coach Paul Bartley. “I thought we did a great job. We just couldn’t convert on the opportunities. We actually had seven opportunities in the second half, to Blanchet only having two shots on goal. I thought, at the end of the game, we were the team that was dominating and they were just trying to hang on for the win.”

Despite the loss, Bartley said he was very proud of the girls and what they have been able to accomplish as a team this year.

“This is the first time that we won the 3A Wesco North Championship and made it to the State Tournament,” said Bartley. “This school has existed since 1977, so it is a really big accomplishment for the girls.”

Bartley praised his team for their hard work throughout the season, and said one of the main reasons for the team’s success was the camaraderie among the team members.

“I think the main thing that made this group special is that they really enjoy being with each other, and they genuinely like each other,” said Bartley. “They would do anything they can for each other, so that translates on the field to them not being selfish, or thinking about themselves first. They have a really good team chemistry.”

Bartley added that, for the first time, Marysville had six people on the first team all-conference and three people on the second team all-conference.

“I think the girls earned all of the accolades that they’re received,” said Bartley. “We have never had this many people on the first team or second team all-conference. They set a bunch of goals, and they achieved almost all of them, except making it to the state finals.”

For the seniors, the loss marked the end of their soccer careers at Marysville-Pilchuck High School.

“We have seven seniors, and for them this year was unlike any other anybody has ever had,” said Bartley. “It was pretty emotional yesterday. They didn’t want to get on the bus when the game was over. I know that the seniors appreciated how the season went, and they were just sorry that it had come to an end.”