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Brunswick Rolls Past Mentor, 17–3
By Lilly Stukus
The Mentor Cardinals entered the matchup at 3–4 looking to bounce back, while the Brunswick Blue Devils came in at an even 4–4. With Teacher Appreciation Week adding extra energy to the night, Brunswick honored their teachers before the game — and then delivered a performance worth celebrating with a dominant 17–3 win.
Brunswick wasted no time setting the tone, winning the opening draw as #2 Brooke Gelhar controlled possession. Moments later, #2 Brooke Gelhar connected with #18 Ryleigh Vleck, who found the back of the net to give the Blue Devils an early 1–0 lead.
Mentor responded quickly, with #16 scoring to keep things close. However, Brunswick answered right back. After a shooting space penalty resulted in an 8-meter opportunity, #11 capitalized to extend the lead.
Throughout the first quarter, #33 from Mentor created strong offensive chances, consistently getting quality looks on goal. But Brunswick’s defense held firm, highlighted by strong play from #12.
#2 Brooke Gelhar continued to shine, using her speed to push the ball upfield and create opportunities for the Blue Devils’ offense. On the defensive end, Mentor’s #44 came up with a big save against #18 Ryleigh Vleck, briefly slowing the momentum.
Mentor’s #1 added another goal to keep the Cardinals within reach, but #18 Ryleigh Vleck struck again. Despite Mentor swarming #18 Ryleigh Vleck defensively, #18 Ryleigh Vleck powered through to score and keep Brunswick in control.
Late in the quarter, Mentor earned an 8-meter opportunity, but Brunswick goalie #33 came up with a clutch save to close out the first quarter.
At the end of one, Brunswick led 4–2.
The second quarter belonged entirely to the Blue Devils.
Brunswick came out firing, as #18 Ryleigh Vleck scored immediately off yet another assist from #2 Brooke Gelhar, continuing their dominant connection. Moments later, Brunswick goalie #33 made another impressive save, stopping a strong shot from #28 Sydney Fink.
That save was just one of many on the night for Brunswick goalie #33, who has now surpassed 100 saves on the season, a milestone that reflects her consistency and importance to the team’s success.
From there, Brunswick took full control of the game. #18 Ryleigh Vleck added another goal, followed by #7 finding the net to make it 7–2. #15 then took over, scoring back-to-back goals and extending the lead even further.
The Blue Devils’ offense continued to click on all cylinders, with crisp passing and strong ball movement creating open looks. #18 Ryleigh Vleck capped off the half with yet another goal, and the Brunswick bench fed off the energy, celebrating as the lead continued to grow.
By halftime, Brunswick held a commanding 10–2 advantage.
Brunswick carried that momentum straight into the second half.
To open the third quarter, #18 Ryleigh Vleck struck again, continuing her standout performance. Shortly after, #2 Brooke Gelhar added a goal of her own, showing her ability to impact the game as both a scorer and facilitator.
Mentor managed to break through with a goal from #1, but any momentum was quickly shut down. #2 Brooke Gelhar responded with another goal, and #7 added to the scoring as Brunswick continued to dominate possession and pace of play.
By the end of the third quarter, Brunswick had built a commanding 14–3 lead.
The Blue Devils showed no signs of slowing down in the fourth quarter.
#2 Brooke Gelhar opened the scoring once again, adding to her impressive night. #14 followed with a goal of her own, pushing the lead to 16–3 with under five minutes remaining.
Fittingly, #18 Ryleigh Vleck closed out the game with her final goal of the night, capping off an outstanding individual performance and sealing the 17–3 victory for Brunswick.
Brunswick’s offense, led by #18 Ryleigh Vleck and #2 Brooke Gelhar, proved too much for Mentor to contain. Combined with strong defensive play and standout goaltending from #33, who surpassed 100 saves on the season, the Blue Devils controlled every aspect of the game.
With the win, Brunswick gains momentum moving forward, while Mentor will look to regroup and bounce back in their next contest.
