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Lady 'Dogs snag No. 2 playoff seed

MATT BALDWIN | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 16 years, 2 months AGO
by MATT BALDWIN
Matt Baldwin is regional editor for Hagadone Media Montana. He is a graduate of the University of Montana's School of Journalism. He can be reached at 406-758-4447 or [email protected]. | October 15, 2009 11:00 PM

Despite two conference losses to close out the regular season, the Lady Bulldog soccer team grabbed the No. 2 seed for the state Class A playoffs.

Whitefish takes on Frenchtown at 2 p.m. on Saturday at Smith Fields.

Whitefish dropped games to Columbia Falls and Libby last week and were shutout in both matches.

Against rival Columbia Falls, the 'Kats found the net five minutes into the match and managed to blank the 'Dogs for the remaining 75 minutes of play.

Whitefish had clean chances on goal, but the typically sharp-shooting front line couldn't convert.

At the 24-minute mark, Natalie Gayner had an open net, but missed just wide. Ten minutes later, Michela Millette found a clearing in the 'Kats' defense, but she booted her shot wide right of the post.

Whitefish had seven shots on goal in the match.

The Lady 'Dogs traveled to Libby on Saturday to take on the undefeated Lady Loggers in the final match of the regular season for both teams.

Anna Valentine scored two goals and Chrissy Vennes had one as Libby cruised to a 3-0 victory.

The win pushed the Lady Loggers conference record to 8-0 and 11-0 overall.

"Libby knows how to capitalize on opportunities," Bulldog coach Erin Morrison said.

"They had three shots in the first half and two goals. They know how to score."

Morrison commended the play of Sam Dittman in the tough loss.

"Sam had a great game today," Morrison said of her center-mid.

"She really shut down Anna Valentine for most of the game."

Whitefish 0 0 - 0

Libby 2 1 - 3

LIBBY - Anna Valentine, 20:00; Chrissy Vennes (Valentine) 36:00; Valentine (Jaime Gilden), 78:00.

Shots on goal -Whitefish 9, Libby 8

Corner kicks - Whitefish 4, Libby 5

Goalie saves - Whitefish 4 (Madisen Cross 2, Callie Marsh 2), Libby 8 (Audra Poppen)

Fouls - Whitefish 8, Libby 2

Whitefish 0 0 - 0

Columbia Falls 1 0 - 1

COLUMBIA FALLS - McKenzie Reeve (Sophie Peterson), 5:00

Shots on goal - Whitefish 7, Columbia Falls 8

Corner kicks - Whitefish 6, Columbia Falls 4

Goalie saves - Whitefish 3 (Madisen Cross), Columbia Falls 5 (Neisha Thompson)

Fouls - Whitefish 5, Columbia Falls 5

Cards - None

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