CAMAS — Just before Camas girls soccer coach Roland Minder timed Doc Harris Stadium’s lights to turn off to signify the official end of practice, causing the Papermakers to scurry to and from the locker room before pitch-black darkness set in, the team’s only four-year starter stood to speak on some reminders for this weekend.
Dress warmly for Friday’s 8 p.m. Class 4A state semifinal against Issaquah at Puyallup’s Sparks Stadium was one of statements from Perrin Belzer. The senior captain’s been down this road before … three times, in fact.
The Papermakers are in the semifinals for the third consecutive season, a feat that Belzer called “a great surprise” given what might’ve been anticipated as a rebuilding season after Camas graduated 10 seniors off last season’s state championship squad.
“We’ve had more confidence in how we’ve been playing,” said Belzer, a starting defender since her freshman season, “and the results are showing that.”
Offensively, Camas averages 4.2 goals per game, led by Maddie Kemp’s team-best 40 goals. But Minder said the team wouldn’t be where it is , with a chance to defend its state title — without Belzer, a mainstay in the defense her entire high school career.
What’s key, Minder said, is most of the backline is reshaped annually. The exception is Belzer, who transitioned to center back after three years as an outside back this season. Minder added that when rebuilding his back four, often he takes players off the front line.
And for good reason.
“I like my back players to have good, technical skills just as much as my front players,” he said, “and having that makes it better to keep the ball out of the back.”
This year, joining Belzer in the back are Aliya Ponder, Lily Prouse and Kierstyn Heilbrun. Three of the four have played all 20 games together, and their strengths as prior offensive players help on the Camas’ counter attack and transition. Camas’ defense has only allowed nine goals (0.45 goals-against average) and its nine-game shutout streak was snapped in Saturday’s 4-1 state quarterfinal victory over Skyline.
“Having that offensive composure in front of the goal helps,” Belzer said, “and bringing that to the defense helps with controlling the ball.”
What makes Perry the player she is, Minder said, as the 4A Greater St. Helens defensive player of the year, begins with her understanding of the game, and directing those around her.
“She knows when to go and when to stay,” he said. “I can’t think of any other defensive player that I would prefer to have back there than Perry. “Not even close.”
And that’s why without question expected to see solid defense from Belzer and the Papermakers starting Friday in their quest to repeat as 4A state champions. In 2015, Issaquah beat Camas in a shootout after a scoreless regulation and two golden-goal overtimes.
“We have a high goal and high standards for ourselves and I think we’re going to accomplish them. “I think we’ll rise to the occasion.”
