L.V. Rogers downed Trail/Rossland 2-0 Thursday in West Kootenay girls field hockey league play at Pass Creek.
"This is a huge lift for the team," said co-coach Val Gibson, noting the Bombers are now first in the league. "There is a very strong and healthy rivalry between the two squads."
The Bombers finished one place behind Trail at last year's provincials.
THe Nelson squad was missing four senior players and the Grade 9s and 10s came through what Gibson called their "best game ever."
Kyra Burkart agreed to play in goal and didn't allow any past her.
"She had one practice session and then was thrown into a game," Gibson said. "Kyra did a fantastic job and made many key saves."
Nelson's goals came from rookie Noa Butterfield on a pass from Allie Zondervan, and Ava Strautman from Naomi Perkins.
The defensive squad was strong, Gibson said, under the leadership of Emma Gregorich. Veteran Lauren Walgren was sick but still played every minute. Anna Goeppner and Noelle Wang didn't get much substitution time either as they held up the defensive unit. Midfielders Perkins, Zondervan, and Hailee Gerun are also strong this year, Gibson said.
The teams play a rematch Tuesday at Pass Creek park.
(CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story misspelled Kyra Burkart's name.)