The night’s chill couldn’t freeze the warmth in the air as Bonney Lake’s soccer seniors took the field for the last regular-season home game of their high school careers. Friends, family, and teammates gathered under the lights to honor Jaylee Reynolds, Grace Atkinson, Chelsea Avery, Ruby Pearson, Kyra Fuertes-Gonzalez, Savannah Ryan, and Sasha Shuty — players who, for the past four years, gave their heart and hustle to Panthers soccer. As the final cheers from the pre-game festivities quieted, the Panthers’ squad got down to business, ready to bring one last dominant performance for their seniors and fans.
And dominant it was.
In a runaway 9-1 win over Bethel, senior Jaylee Reynolds delivered a star-making performance, scoring five goals in a match that was all Panthers, all night. In their first season in the SPSL 4A league, Bonney Lake wrapped things up with a statement, one that set a tone as they eye a potential playoff spot.
The momentum was instant. Just two minutes into the game, Reynolds bolted downfield, slipping through Bethel’s defense for a breakaway goal to open the scoring. The energy in the stadium was electric, and Reynolds wasn’t the only one riding that wave. Not a moment later, fellow senior Grace Atkinson seized her chance, sinking another goal to put the Panthers up 2-0.
From there, it was a scoring frenzy. Reynolds netted her second goal from 25 yards out, a beautifully placed kick that sailed past the keeper. Her third, a perfectly timed header, came soon after, lifting the Panthers to a 4-0 lead. Atkinson struck again, her second of the night, giving Bonney Lake a commanding 5-0 advantage.
The Panthers’ offense was relentless, firing from all angles and keeping Bethel’s defense scrambling. As halftime loomed, freshman Abby Arneson took her shot at the spotlight, sending in a stunning corner kick that arced just over the goalie’s reach. The Panthers walked into halftime with a comfortable 6-0 lead, and the crowd was buzzing, especially after an animated mid-game display featuring prehistoric mascots racing across the field — a welcome distraction as fans warmed up for the second half.
Back on the pitch, it was senior Ruby Pearson’s turn to shine. Just four minutes into the second half, she took control of the ball on the right side, 15 yards out, and launched a beautiful hook shot that left Bethel’s goalie no chance, pushing Bonney Lake’s lead to 7-0.
Bethel managed to break through only once, capitalizing on a penalty kick and slotting in a deflection to bring the score to 7-1. But for every effort Bethel made, Reynolds had an answer. At the 54th minute, Reynolds drew a foul 15 yards out, setting up her own penalty kick. With ease, she sent the ball into the right side of the net, marking her fourth goal of the night.
And as if four weren’t enough, Reynolds added her fifth goal shortly after, threading through Bethel’s defenders to bury one final shot in heavy traffic. That fifth goal set the score at 9-1 and put the cap on an unforgettable night for the Panthers.
With the regular season complete, all eyes are on the district playoffs. Though no official word had been given at press time, whispers suggest Bonney Lake has clinched a playoff berth. Fans will want to stay tuned for confirmation and the chance to watch this powerhouse squad take their game to the next level.