A hat trick by Dylan Stevens and two goals by Gavin Cuoio was all the Thunderbirds needed to secure their spot in the Class 2A state tournament for the second straight season, triumphing past Ridgefield 5-1 on Thursday night at home.
The Evergreen Conference champions picked the right day for an offensive showcase. The five scores is the most since registering six goals against Black Hills on April 8.
“The second half is the best they’ve played all year,” Tumwater head coach John Hayes said. “Very happy with the result.”
After the Spudders struck first in the 10th minute, Stevens netted the penalty kick equalizer five minutes later. He and Cuoio, two of the most impactful players in the district, connected on a goal in the 29th minute to give Tumwater (12-7) the lead for good.
Stevens additionally scored in the final 10 minutes of the first half plus the 51st. Cuoio scored in the 65th minute. Davyn McGilvrey notched a pair of key saves in the second half to keep the three-goal cushion intact.
The Thunderbirds will find out their opening round opponent on Sunday afternoon.