'I think it just adds confidence': Bent's return a gigantic boost for Cheboygan soccer
CHEBOYGAN – In the opening half of Wednesday’s girls soccer clash with Oscoda, Taylor Bent delivered a 30-yard blast that surely looked like a goal.
Unfortunately for the Cheboygan senior star midfielder, the powerful shot was only denied by the crossbar. But while the attempt was inches short, Bent’s impact during Cheboygan’s 6-0 victory was immense, especially for someone who wasn’t sure if she would be able to return to action following a knee injury suffered three weeks ago.
“(Being out) was hard because I’m not a kid who gets hurt a lot,” Bent said. “The worst thing was the uncertainty of whether I could come back or not. I’m just grateful that I can be back.”
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In the weeks since, Bent and the Cheboygan program were hoping for good news. Thankfully, Bent received it late last week when she was told by doctors that she could play again.
A few days later, Bent made a valiant return by delivering a hat trick and fueling the Chiefs to a 6-0 win in Roscommon. Bent, who also scored during Wednesday’s triumph over the Owls, continued to show why she’s been so vital to Cheboygan’s success. In fact, the Chiefs’ only two defeats this season came when she didn’t play.
“While I was away, it felt like – not to say that we were missing a piece – but we lost our groove, and the last couple of games we were able to get it back and we’re all connecting a lot better and finishing better,” Bent said. “It feels great (to be back). This is our last season as seniors. It sucks that I had to miss so much of it, but I’m happy to finish it out with my team.”
Against the Owls, Bent was nearly everywhere on the pitch, scoring a goal up front, creating chances for her teammates as an attacking midfielder, and eventually returning to defensive midfield. Versatility personified.
“Having Taylor back, I think it just adds confidence. She makes everybody want to play better,” Cheboygan coach Tom Markham said. “It’s her senior year, we’re just happy that it worked out. We didn’t know (what would happen with her injury) for a couple of weeks. Of course, we were thinking positively and praying for her, and I can’t tell the difference. She assures me that everything feels fine, so it’s good to see her back out there.”
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With Bent back and leading the Chiefs, she believes anything’s possible, including a potential run in the postseason.
“I think that we have a really good shot (to win districts), it just matters if we bring it or not,” Bent said.
No matter what happens during her final days with Cheboygan, Bent’s soccer career will continue at Grand Rapids Community College. Still, she’s going to take in every final second with a program she’s thrived in.
“It’s going to be tough not representing Cheboygan anymore because it is our hometown,” Bent said. “We pretty much bleed orange and black and it’s going to be a tough goodbye."
Cheboygan (8-2-2, 8-2-2 Northern Michigan Soccer League) travels to Clare for a 6 p.m. matchup on Friday.
Contact sports editor Jared Greenleaf at jgreenleaf@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter @sportsCDT
This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: Cheboygan soccer's Bent making a huge impact in return to action
