Tough hits on the road for Vals soccer

The Bigfork girls soccer team may have taken a couple big losses over the weekend, but they continue to play hard with heart and determination.

At Friday’s game against Belgrade, Bigfork played through a 7-0 loss and Saturday against Livingston, they suffered a 10-0 loss.

The combination of characteristics that enabled the girls to maintain an attitude of determination is something that head coach Charlie Appleby said can’t be coached, but is inherent in the spirit of the girls on the team.

“I didn’t see a single girl give up, throw up their hands or get angry, they stuck together as a team,” Appleby said. “I wish I could take credit for their fortitude and perseverance, and I hope that it continues as the season progresses.”

Bigfork’s goalkeeper, Emily Smith, came up big in both games, making 24 saves against Livingston and 15 against Belgrade.

Offensively the Vals turned it on when they had the the chance to, and put three shots on goal against Belgrade and two against Livingston.

Injuries benched four of Bigfork’s starting eleven over the course of the weekend, and led to a second half with no substitutes against Livingston.

“It’s hard for these girls to play at their peak level when they’re hurting,” Appleby said.

More defensive practices are up for Bigfork this week. Appleby said the Vals will focus on applying pressure as a team this week, and each practice he sees improvement over the last.

“I see little bright moments each game, and each practice, where something clicks with a girl or with a group of girls,” Appleby said.

Appleby said the weekend’s tough games were a true test of the Bigfork Vals and this Thursday the girls will battle through a game against Whitefish, following it with next Tuesday’s 4 p.m. home game against Columbia Falls.