Teams are often defined by key moments—by turning points in a game, a season, or a school year. Fall sports at Gonzaga Prep are steeped in them. Here’s where the seasons are with playoffs just ahead:
FOOTBALL
The 2022 version of Bullpup football carries with it both the program’s tradition, and its own identity. A team that lost a veteran quarterback and top-tier defense has reloaded and redefined itself. Says head coach Dave McKenna, “this year’s squad finds its identity more collectively as a team.”
The team traveled to Washington D.C. in early September to face the Cadets of St. John’s, a national powerhouse. “They knew they faced a significant challenge, but through struggle, they learned a lot.” And while the scoreboard showed a loss, it propelled them toward the success they’re finding this season.
At 6-1 and undefeated in the GSL, they have already secured the top spot in Week 10 Playoffs – the road to state. On offense, senior quarterback Jojo Shortell has done a fine job stepping into a tough role where he literally has numerous options when running the offense: seniors Lilo Mikaele, Nick Bankey, and Sam Ohman, and sophomore Noah Holman. On defense, the team is led by Luke Miller, Cavan McKeirnan, and Jackson Crocker. The steady leg of Matthew Herzog has added nearly automatic extra points.
Tonight, the team faces a Mt. Spokane team that is also undefeated in the GSL.
VOLLEYBALL
“We over me.” That’s the culture the 2022 Bullpup volleyball team set to build this season. Bullpup first-year coach Lea Sandberg stepped into the role over the summer and was immediately impressed with how hard they work.
We have really strong senior leadership. They came in with an ideal of what they wanted this team to look like and are willing to do the hard work to achieve that. “These girls work eagerly to be better at their craft, she says.”
Their biggest win wasn’t even a competitive one, but it defined them as a team and what they are capable of. In the third set of a game vs. University, the Bullpups were down 18-24. The team held as Maddie Finnigan served out the game. “That's remarkable, because with rally scoring, you can’t make any errors, and have to force them to make some.”
The team is led by 4-year letter-winner senior Kate Palalek. “She’s the QB on the court and when she’s not on the court, what she provided from the sidelines during those 3 rotations is just as monumental. And junior Lilli Etter brings finesse and fierce competitive spirit to the court that it inspires the same desire in her teammates. “They want to follow her, and she does it in a way that brings them alongside her.”
The season so far: 3-2 (6-6)
Playoff outlook: All 3 4A GSL teams advance to Districts, so seeding is everything.
GIRLS SOCCER
Bullpup girls soccer is loaded with seniors and their record and leadership have demonstrated it all season. The team has rolled over opponents amassing a 9-0 regular-season record. “It’s an amazing group of seniors – 9 of them, with several on varsity for all of high school,” says coach Johnny Bartich `11.
Comebacks have defined a couple of key moments in the team’s success. In a game vs. No. 2 Lewis & Clark, the Pups were down early and came back to tie and force overtime and the game-winning goal that secured a No. 1 seed for District playoffs.
“It is hard to boil this team down to a few key players, because everyone has contributed in their own way,” he says.
Sophomore Jennah Wanner has shown unrelenting pressure and a knack for consistently scoring has her in the top 3 in scoring in WIAA 4A schools. Senior Nora Watson has an incredible motor and practically covers the entire field every game. Junior Keagan Austin and senior Addy Litscher have played nearly every minute this season. Their chemistry and attention to detail has led the backline with the fewest goals against in the league. And both goalkeepers – senior Mia Lewis and Peyton Dixon have been steady and consistently kept clean sheets.
Season record: 9-0 (13-2)
Playoff picture: Pups secured the No. 1 GSL 4A seed in Districts and face Hanford on Oct. 25
SLOWPITCH SOFTBALL
Gonzaga Prep slowpitch has grown every day this season says head coach John Dressler. And while some key moments are about the scoreboard, others are about sportsmanship and resilience.
In a recent game vs. East Valley, Prep gladly assisted in their coach’s request to give a senior player with special needs a chance at a hit. “She got a hit and ran the bases with a smile from ear to ear.” That was a moment of sportsmanship the team won’t soon forget.
In another game, freshman Katherine van Loben Sels was hit by a fly ball. The team’s support through the experience brought them closer as the season progressed.
The team is led by junior pitcher Grace Shirley. “Grace is solid. She has been our leader all season.” Sophomore shortstop Sydney Wysocki brings defense and a big bat, and co-captains Savi Nolte and Justina Burks provide senior leadership on a team that holds a 5-7 conference record, which was enough to earn the Pups a spot in the playoffs for the first time in the program’s slowpitch history.
“I couldn’t be more proud of this team,” Dressler says.
The season: 5-7 (7-9)
Playoffs: THe Pups won a play-in game at Pasco lost a Disctrict semifinal game Friday.
GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY
Young. That’s how girls' cross country head coach Stephen Manfred describes this year’s team. “The top three are freshmen and the next 3 are juniors.”
The upperclassmen have been great role models, putting in the hard work that sets a great example for the team. “We have a lot of great senior leadership,” led by Brinley Fix, Grace Warne, Sophia & Julia McFarland, Natalie Valley, Ella Niedermeyer, Belle Prosser, and Aiden Whitehead.
The team has seen recent successes: “Lots of the girls PR’d at the Battle of the 509, which is a fast course.” The team also got wins against both Ferris and Cheney.
The season wraps up with JV and freshman championships Saturday, followed a week later by the varsity District meet in Walla Walla.
BOYS CROSS COUNTRY
It took a little time, but Bullpup boys cross country found its stride this season. “Our key meet was the Battle of 509. That was the turning point,” says head coach Steven Kutsch.
We followed up with a great dual meet at home vs. Central Valley and Ferris where we beat CV for only the 2nd time in recent memory.
For this year’s team, all 5 scorers are key, led by seniors Luke Decker, Luke Ranson, and Graham Cleveland.
Three 4A teams from the east side will compete for state at the upcoming District meet. Two of those spots are likely a lock for top Mid Columbia Conference teams, so the Pups are battling for the third spot against Central Valley, Hanford, and Richland.
“If we have a good day all on the same day, we have a shot at making state. We have a good chance of getting at least 3 guys in.”