Kelli Bannerman scored a hat trick for the Ferndale soccer team as it defeated Lynden 5-1 in a Northwest Conference match on Thursday, Oct. 18, in Ferndale.

"It was a very emotional game for me because I coached Lynden for the last four years," Ferndale coach Joe Gonzalez said in a phone interview. "Despite the score, Lynden never gave up and battled hard and I am very proud of how both teams played the entire game."

Ferndale also got goals from Shelby Slaughter and Jordin Bartel. Bartel scored off a corner from Ali Gonzalez in the 52nd minute.

"Kelli Bannerman really came alive in the second half for us and she really went for it," Joe Gonzalez said. "Carly Bannerman is one of the, if not the, best player on our team and has huge potential and I am really proud of how she played tonight."

Lynden's goal came in the 70th minute when Kellie Fiebig put a free kick past Vernelle Johnson.

Ferndale automatically qualified for the playoffs.

The Golden Eagles are now 6-53, 6-3-2 and will play at Bellingham on Monday, Oct. 22, while Lynden (2-10-3, 0-8-3) NWC will play at Sedro-Woolley.

FERNDALE 5, LYNDEN 1

Scoring: Goal: Kelli Bannerman (Ferndale), time: 15:00; Goal: Shelby Slaughter (Ferndale), time: 22:00; Goal: Jordin Bartel (Ferndale), assist: Ali Gonzalez, time: 52:00; Goal: Kellie Fiebig (Lynden), time: 70:00; Goal: Kelli Bannerman (Ferndale), time: 73:00; Goal: Kelli Bannerman (Ferndale), time: 79:00. Shots on goal: Lynden 8; Ferndale 16. Goalies (saves): Lynden: N/A (6); Ferndale: Vernelle Johnson (6).