Lady Bulldog soccer draws from experience
Lady Bulldog soccer is poised for another successful season with a strong group of returning starters highlighting a talent-laden roster.
Five seniors will lead the team that made it to the semifinals last season.
“We have a lot of experience on the team,” said first-year coach Roland Benedict. “These girls have played in a state championship and the semifinals last year. It’s a good blend of experience.”
Benedict takes over as head coach following the resignation of Wendy Farrens. He was an assistant coach for Whitefish the previous three seasons.
“This is such a talented and good group of girls,” he said. “I know them well and I’m excited to be leading them.”
The coach has focused on team chemistry during two-a-day practices. He says he’s looking for the right blend on the pitch before deciding who will play which position.
“The first two weeks we are getting disciplined in our formations so they know what their roles are on offense and defense,” he said. “We are getting our chemistry together — that’s our priority.”
Benedict expects the Lady Dogs to play with an aggressive offense.
“We’ll play an attractive, attacking game,” he said.
Junior Haley Nicholson led the state in scoring last season and Benedict expects she’ll be near the top again. Yet, he’d like to see other girls step up and take chances on goal to spread out the offense.
“One of the goals is to get other players to be dangerous and shoot,” he said. “You’ve got to shoot to score.”
Anchoring the defense will be junior goalkeeper Kess Nelson who blossomed as a force in the net last season.
“She’ll be between the pipes again and she’s looking sharp and confident,” Benedict said. “We’ll work hard defensively to make sure we don’t give anything away.”
The Northwest A is shaping up to be a tough test once again with both Polson and Columbia Falls reloaded with talent. Bigfork could be a force, as well, Benedict said.
“It’s going to be a good competitive year,” he said. “We can be successful this year. We’ll take it each game at a time and let the season unfold.”
Whitefish opens at home against Hamilton on Aug. 28 at 4 p.m.