Whitefish loses close one to Wildkats; shut out Thompson Falls

The Whitefish girls soccer team met the Wildkats again, this time in Columbia Falls. At the end of the hard-fought battle, Columbia Falls won the game 1-0.

Whitefish Head Coach Kelly Ordway said the match was an important Cat v. Dawg matchup, not only because it represented a rivalry, but it determined the first-place team in the conference. 

The Lady Bulldogs kicked off and were finding their stride when, in the 9th minute, Columbia Falls scored. 

“Isla Alexander hit a very high shot that came back down over our goalkeeper’s head for the only goal of the game,” Ordway said. “Besides this initial miss, Jackie Solem was strong and confident in the goal.” 

That would be the sole goal of the game as the teams fought for possession throughout the 80 minutes of regulation play. Although the players weren’t feeling their best, they performed admirably. 

“Our defense was steady, and Macie Schmidt stepped to the ball well and distributed with poise,” Ordway noted. “Many players have been under the weather and while we played well, we didn’t perform to our highest potential and thus didn’t secure the win. 

“We’ll come back rejuvenated for playoffs next Saturday,” Ordway added. 

WHITEFISH celebrated senior night on Oct. 10 after the girls team played Thompson Falls. The Lady Bulldogs won 3-0. 

Senior striker Smith had a hand in all three Bulldog goals, scoring the first two herself, with an assist by Madi Gordon, and assisting Sadie Olson for the last goal of the game. All three were scored early in the first half.  

Ordway noted that Smith is one of the leading scorers in the state, with 18 goals this season. 

The Lady Bulldogs’ dominated play in the second half. They play with a sense of calm that belies their years and their movement away from the ball is remarkable. 

Whitefish keeper, Madi Stanwood, kept a clean sheet. 

“After our game and before the boys match began, every senior walked out with their family while the announcer shared each of their personal visions for the future,” Ordway said. 

Ordway added that all 10 Lady Bulldog seniors, Madison Stanwood, Brynn Morse, Madi Gordon, Georgia Morrell, Sadie Olson, Delaney Smith, Eleanor Blanden, Truth Baxter, Charlize Ullrich and Charlotte Perkins, started the game. 

“That’s a wrap for regular season,” Ordway said. “On to prepare for playoffs next Saturday.” 

The first round of playoff soccer begins Saturday, Oct. 19. The girls will play in Hamilton. The semifinals are Oct. 26, and the final is Nov. 2. 

Oct. 8 Whitefish at Columbia Falls 

Corner Kicks: Whitefish 6, Columbia Falls 1. Goalkeeper Saves: Whitefish Jackie Solem 4, Columbia Falls Erica Burguiese 6. Shots on Goal: Whitefish 9, Columbia Falls 6. 

Oct. 10 Thompson Falls at Whitefish 

Fouls: Whitefish 5, Thompson Falls 1. Corner Kicks: Whitefish 2, Thompson Falls 0. Goalkeeper Saves: Whitefish Madi Stanwood 3, Thompson Falls 20. Shots on Goal: Whitefish 23, Thompson Falls 3. 

    Whitefish striker Delaney Smith beats a defender to the ball at the Oct. 10 game against Thompson Falls. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)
  

    Lady Bulldog Brynn Morse takes a throw in during the second half of the Oct. 10 game against Thompson Falls. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)