Girls soccer bounced in semis

The Lady Bulldog soccer team was eliminated from the State A playoffs on Saturday after a tough 3-0 loss to Laurel.

The top-seed Locomotives posted three unanswered goals in the semifinal match and will move on to face Columbia Falls in the finals.

Whitefish, the No. 3 team from the Northwest A, played the Locomotives even in the first half, but couldn’t capitalize on a few scoring opportunities close to the net.

The best chance was a pointblank shot from Grace Kurtz that hit off the right post and deflected out of bounds.

Jamie Barta scored in the 36th minute to give Laurel the 1-0 lead at half.

“It was back and forth in the first half,” Whitefish coach Wendy Farrens said. “We found some space, but we couldn’t get that final look at goal.”

A few minutes into the second half, Jessica Elmer hit the net to extend Laurel’s lead. The Locomotives capped the win with another goal in the 63rd minute.

Whitefish had 14 shots on goal to Laurel’s 17. Lady Bulldog goalkeeper Kess Nelson tallied six saves.

“We had our chances, but the ball didn’t bounce our way,” Farrens said. “They finished their chances on goal.”

“Laurel covered well and were quick and athletic. They’re a good team.”

Whitefish’s future is bright with a roster loaded with underclassmen. Only two seniors graduate from this team in captains Baldonado and Kurtz.

“We’ll miss Grace and Jess,” Farrens said, “but we’ll come back strong and keep building.”

“This is a great group of girls. I’m excited about the future.”

Laurel 1 2 — 3

Whitefish 0 0 — 0

LAUREL — Jamie Barta (Demi Albrecht) 36:00; Jessica Elmer (Barta) 43:00; Allie McGrath, 63:00

Shots on goal — Laurel 17, Whitefish 14; Goalie saves — Laurel 6 (Paige O’Toole), Whitefish 6 (Kess Nelson); Corner kicks — Laurel 4, Whitefish 1; Fouls — Laurel 4.