Blazer boys punch ticket to state

Erick Starkey
Posted 5/16/18

Nathan Stitt’s four goals during the state qualifying round in a 5-1 win over Riverton paved the way for the Torrington Trailblazers to reach the state tournament.

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Blazer boys punch ticket to state

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WORLAND – Nathan Stitt’s four goals during the state qualifying round in a 5-1 win over Riverton paved the way for the Torrington Trailblazers to reach the state tournament.

Torrington struck first on a header from Stitt, but Riverton rebounded with a goal of its own to tie the game at one. Stitt was not done for the day, scoring two more goals, before connecting on an assist to Tristen Kingsley for a goal. Stitt scored his fourth goal at the final horn to push the advantage to 5-1.

“I thought we played really well across the board,” coach Jeshua Arnusch said. “My favorite part of the game was the fact that we could finish. That’s all we have done this past week of practice and it was nice to see us attack the frame.”

When the dust settled, Stitt had four goals, with Kingsley kicking in another. Joining Stitt in the assist department, Braden Mechem, Braeden Claussen, Ethan Creagar and Daeden Morrow all notched an assist.

“I also thought that we did a great job of getting numbers behind the ball, which is something we will have to continue to work on against Worland,” Arnusch said. “They have a solid team who can attack us with their width and make us pay if we don’t outnumber them.”

The Blazers now sit at 9-7-1 on the season. They hit the road for Jackson this weekend for the 3A State Tournament. Torrington kicks off the tournament against Worland at 11 a.m. on Thursday. The Blazers bested the Warriors in the second round of last year’s state tournament in a 2-1 overtime decision.

“It’s going to be a fun rematch from last year,” Arnusch said. “I’m looking forward to the intensity that will take place at kickoff. It’s a rivalry.”