Tyler Palmateer
Daily Elk Citian
BETHANY — Elk City High School girls soccer team’s season seemed to end too soon after a 2-0 to Bethany in the 4A playoff quarterfinals.
After reaching the semifinals last season, the Elkettes had high hopes in 2025, and wanted nothing less than a state title shot.
“Everybody wants to win,” ECHS coach Judy Rheaume said. “It’s hard to see the girls upset. I love all of them, they’re like my daughters.”
Bethany, which fell to Elk City 6-1 earlier this year, beat the Elkettes by packing in its defense, creating enough congestion to force more shots from midfield. Rheaume said the limited shots for the Elkette forwards played a role in the loss for ECHS, which finishes the season with an 11-2 record.
“This Bethany team is no joke. They packed it in even more this time than the last time we played. That’s been our weakest point.”
Bethany tallied two goals, despite having just seven shots on the ECHS goal. Kami Bussert knocked in a goal at 35:44 in the first period, putting the Elkettes in a small, but manageable, deficit at intermission.
The Elkettes came out of halftime creating scoring opportunities, as a flip-throw from Hope Merrifield at the 29:53 mark got the the ball in close to Bethany’s goal, but ended up in the hands of goalkeeper Grace Hadley, who had 12 saves on the night.
At the 20:03 mark, Bethany’s Bussert scored again off a Katilan Biggers assist, forcing ECHS into a last-gasp effort to keep its season alive.
For more, pick up a copy of the Monday, May 7 edition of the Daily Elk Citian.