Kats split opening games

The Columbia Falls girls soccer team had a tough start to its season, losing 3-0 to Billings Central on Sept. 7. But the Wildkats bounced back the next day and dropped Laurel 3-2.

Both the girls and boys soccer seasons were shortened by a week because the opening matches against Livingston and Belgrade were canceled earlier because of wildfire smoke.

The resulting layoff didn’t help the girls too much. They looked a little flat early on against Billings Central, a team the Kats will likely meet again if they make it to the postseason.

While Billings Central controlled the ball most the game, the Kats did have their chances on offense. Lindsay Strouse was fouled just outside the Central 18. Danielle Delventhal took the direct kick, but the shot hit the far post and went just wide. A few more inches and that goal could have swung the momentum in the Kats’ favor.

“It was the first time they really played anyone,” coach Greg Trenerry said.

Trenerry said keeper Kira Kamrud made some clutch saves to keep the game close.

Against Laurel, the girls righted the ship. Alexi Corbett knocked in a goal at the 42-minute mark to tie the game, then Strouse put the Kats up 2-1 with a goal three minutes later. Laurel tied it at the 60-minute mark, but Delventhal hit a goal with just two minutes left for the victory.

“I thought we gutted that game out pretty good,” Trenerry said. “The girls were pretty tired (from the day before).”

The Kats played Stillwater Christian on Tuesday after presstime. They face Polson away Thursday and Libby at home Saturday. The Libby game starts at 11 a.m.

Billings Central 3, Columbia Falls 0

Billings Central 2 0

Columbia Falls 0 0

Billings Central -1, Maya Arce, 9:00; 2, Mariah Wittman (Holly Davis), 37:00; Davison (Sammy Elliott), 53:00. Hadley Ryan, 2 saves, shots 17.

Columbia Falls - Kira Kamrud, 11 saves, shots: 2

Columbia Falls 3, Laurel 2

Laurel 1 1

C. Falls 0 3

Laurel - Alexis Lewis, 16:00; Leslie Gappa, 60:00. Shots: 10. Goal keeper: Katrina Baumgartner, 7 saves.

Columbia Falls - Alexi Corbett, 42:00; Lindsay Strouse, 45:00; Danielle Delventhal, 78:00. Shots; 11. Goal keeper: Kira Kamrud, 7 saves.