Lady Dogs stay perfect in conference play
Chris Peterson/Hungry Horse News Senior Haley Nicholson battles for possession against Columbia Falls’ Kaylee Ashe during Thursday’s 2-1 win.
The Whitefish girls soccer team racked up another big conference win Thursday, beating Columbia Falls 2-1 at Flip Darling Field.
Two goals from seniors Haley Nicholson and Mellisa Pollard in the second half put Whitefish on the board, and it was all they needed to secure the win. The Wildkats’ Hannah Gedlam scored a late goal in the 78th minute, but it was too little, too late for Columbia Falls.
“Anytime you win against Columbia Falls it’s a good one,” head coach Roland Benedict said. “They squeaked one out and got us nervous.”
Columbia Falls led Whitefish in shots on goal 11 to eight. Senior goalkeeper Kess Nelson had 10 saves to Columbia Falls’ six.
Whitefish (8-2-0) remains unbeaten atop Northwest A conference play, and Thursday’s match was their fifth straight win. The Lady Dogs were set to face Polson, second in conference, on Tuesday and host Libby on Saturday before starting playoffs on Saturday, Oct. 15.
While the team has been hot during this streak, Benedict said there’s still plenty to work on before playoffs begin.
“We’re still trying to get going on all cylinders, we’re still working on parts of our game that aren’t there yet,” he said. “And trying to get the final third, the attacking third of our play figured out. And it’s tough because it’s a hard thing to teach, creativity and vision. But it’s something they’re working on and it’s starting to come together.”
Benedict said the regular season games are important to win, but the ultimate goal is to make the playoffs.
“All the results and wins are great but we’re still working on our style of play and our game for the playoffs,” he said.
As for the Lady Dogs’ great season so far, Benedict said it’s been a combined effort from everyone involved.
“We have a lot of talented soccer players, he said. “We have players that know the game, know how to play and are technically sound. But it comes from our team and our seniors that our leaders and everyone buying into our system and style of play. Once they did that you could really see our style of soccer taking hold, and it’s just fun to watch, really.”
The Lady Bulldogs play Libby at 2 p.m. Saturday at Smith Fields.
Whitefish 0 2 — 2
Columbia Falls 0 1 — 1
WF — Haley Nicholson (free kick), 52:00
WF — Melissa Pollard (Nicholson), 60:00
CF — Hannah Gedlaman (Kendra King), 78:00
Shots on goal — Whitefish 8, Columbia Falls 11. Saves — Whitefish 10 (Kess Nelson), Columbia Falls 6 (Madeline Jarvis). Corner kicks — Whitefish 2, Columbia Falls 6. Fouls — Whitefish 16, Columbia Falls 13. Cards — None.