BELLEVILLE — Sugar River, ranked No. 9 in Division 3, didn’t allow a single goal en route to its first-place finish in the 19th annual Swiss Kick on May 11. 

“That’s the win today — being able to play in decent weather,” Sugar River head coach John Ziperski said. “In the spring we are dodging weather, prom and graduation. We are happy to be here and see some different teams.”

The Raiders opened with a 3-0 win over Baraboo. Brooke Warrell and Anya Brenkman connected in the 26th minute to break the stalemate. Anya Brenkman dribbled down the left side of the field and made a centering pass that hit off Warrell’s shoulder and into the back of the net.

Sugar River toed the line of aggression and smart play in the second half, as Anya Brenkman was fouled just outside the box. Her free kick sailed over the Thunderbird wall and goaltender’s hands into the back of the net for a 2-0 lead. Two minutes later, Bella Brenkman scored with a pass from Hannah Boldebuck. 

The Raiders had two more free-kick opportunities in the game. In the 60th minute, Kylie Humke was tackled outside the box, and her subsequent shot went straight into Baraboo’s wall. Bella Brenkman drew a foul in the 66th minute, and her kick bent over the goal.

In the championship game, Sugar River defeated West Salem 3-0.

“These were the right level of teams to play right now with where we are mentally — not just a pushover or a team that would give us more bumps and bruises,” Ziperski said. “Some confidence can be gained.”