The Hive Sports

By James Tate

In a high-stakes showdown at West Field High School, the Longhorns girls’ soccer team delivered a clutch performance to edge the Box Elder Bees 1–0, forging a three-way tie for the Region 5 championship alongside the Bees and the Clearfield Falcons.

All three teams wrapped up region play with identical 9–3 records, setting the stage for a thrilling postseason. Box Elder entered the match with a chance to clinch the title outright, while Clearfield secured its share with a 3–0 win over Bonneville.

Ellie Chugg

First half: Longhorns strike first

The match’s decisive moment came early, when junior forward Ellie Chugg found the back of the net at the 35:44 mark of the first half. Her goal proved to be the difference in a contest defined by defensive grit and playoff-level intensity.

West Field’s back line was relentless, repelling wave after wave of Box Elder attacks. Senior defenders Kenley Fuit and Halle Wyatt, along with junior Sadie Wiseman, anchored the unit with precision, will, and excellent communication. Sophomore goalkeeper Harlie Slaughter was a standout, making multiple athletic saves and consistently positioning herself to deny the Bees.

The game’s most dramatic moment came in the second half, when Box Elder earned a penalty kick with a chance to tie. But the shot ricocheted off the right post, and the Longhorns held firm. Fuit reflected on the team’s performance and the journey to the region title:

Kenley Fuit (l) Halle Wyatt (r)

“Our defense knew it was going to be a tough game, but we’ve been working really hard to build a strong back line,” Fuit said. “Tonight, we really focused on being aggressive and winning the ball, and I think that’s what helped us get the shutout. We came out strong this season to win region, but we knew there’d be competition. After losing to Box Elder earlier in the year, we knew tonight would be a battle. We’ve put in a lot of hard work since then, and it paid off. Winning the region feels amazing, especially since it’s only West Field’s second year competing. We can’t wait for the playoffs!”

Second half: Team play seals Longhorns’ win

The Longhorns’ win wasn’t just about the stars; it was a full-squad performance that showcased depth, discipline, and determination. Midfielders Kate Marriott, Andi Patterson, Marley Cloward, Breck Bushman, Marissa Hatch, and Landry VonBurg controlled the center of the pitch with relentless energy and smart distribution, keeping the Bees from building any rhythm and sparking transitions with quick ball movement.

On the wings, Pressly Weekes and Madison Webster brought pace and pressure, stretching the field and creating space for the attack while tracking back to disrupt Box Elder’s wide play. Up top, forwards Julia Robbins and Emerson Joseph kept the pressure on the Bees’ back line, stretching the defense with their pace and positioning.

Andi Patterson, Maddison Barber

Credit to the Bees, who came ready to compete and kept the pressure on until the final whistle. Outside of the Longhorns’ goal, the match was tightly contested, with the Bees’ strong attacking play and resilience evident across the pitch. Keeper Emma Nelson delivered a standout performance in goal, making several key saves to keep her team within striking distance.

Desarae Elegante and Halli Wright anchored the midfield with grit and determination, while Ellie Young and Oakley Norman pushed the tempo and created chances in transition. Oaklee Wylie and Milley Barber added speed and tenacity on the flanks, and Arianna Poll, Marley Barber, Amber Murray, Madisyn Johnson, and Maddison Barber all contributed to a cohesive team effort that kept the Longhorns honest throughout.

It was a match defined by the intensity and mutual respect of two well-coached teams, giving their all. The Bees may have come up short on the scoreboard, but their performance left no doubt: they’re a team with heart, talent, and ready to make noise in the state playoffs.

photos courtesy of James Tate