Around The League

The Suns enjoyed a much needed weekend off before we make our assault on the final week of the season and hopefully a deep run into the playoffs.

Here is what happened in the Big Nine this weekend.

Most of the matches had predictable outcomes with the exception of two. The most important one was Kamiakin at Davis. A Pirate victory would give Southridge a fighting chance to earn second place in the league and a guaranteed spot in Regionals. Luck was with us as the Braves conceded a goal in the 11th minute, and goalkeeper Abel Bautista picked up a red card in the 55th. Davis would seal the deal with a goal four minutes from the final whistle. Kamiakin now has to deal with West Valley who is ranked 9th in the state in 3A and has won eight in a row without Bautista manning the pipes.

If we win our last two games and Kamiakin drops one against West Valley or Pasco we'll have the second spot and the chance for a district title.

The other match in question was Walla Walla at Ike. Ike picked up the 2-1 win and dropped Walla Walla into the final playoff spot.

The only other surprise of the day was that Pasco could only muster one goal against Kennewick, but it was enough for a 1-0 victory. Pasco stays unbeaten and ranked 1st in the state. The Lions dropped their fourth league match in a row (fifth overall) and currently sit in the fifth spot for playoff seeding.

Sunnyside beat Eastmont in a shootout, and West Valley won 5-0 against Hanford. Senior Junior Ayala scored two goals to bring his season tally to an incredible 22.

Richland is mathematically eliminated from the playoffs with a 3-1 loss to Moses Lake. The Chiefs moved up to the seventh playoff spot.

This is how the playoff seeding works. At the end of the regular season the 3A teams drop out of the standings and the top eight 4A teams play districts.

Number One V Number Two. Winner is District Champion and number one seed to regionals. Loser of this game plays for second or third seed to regionals.

Number Three V Number Eight. Loser out. Winner plays loser of the district championship with the winner going to regionals as the number two seed and the loser number three.

Number Four V Number Seven. Loser Out. Winner plays one more game for final seed to regionals.

Number Five V Number Six. Loser Out. Winner plays winner of four v seven with loser out and winner number four seed to regionals.