Monday, April 20, 2026
30.0°F

Lady 'Dogs snag No. 2 playoff seed

MATT BALDWIN | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 16 years, 6 months AGO
by MATT BALDWIN
Hagadone Media Montana REGIONAL MANAGING EDITOR Matt Baldwin is the regional editor for Hagadone Media Montana, where he helps guide coverage across eight newspapers throughout Northwest Montana. Under his leadership, the Daily Inter Lake received the Montana Newspaper Association’s Sam Gilluly Best Daily Newspaper in Montana Award and the General Excellence Award in 2024 and 2025. A graduate of the University of Montana School of Journalism, Baldwin has called Montana home for nearly 30 years. He and his wife, Sadie, have three daughters. He can be reached at 406‑758‑4447 or [email protected]. IMPACT: Baldwin’s work helps ensure Northwest Montana residents stay connected to their communities and informed about the issues that shape their everyday lives. | 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

ARTICLES BY MATT BALDWIN

April 15, 2026 midnight

Forest officials assess effects of windfall

Describing areas forests as a game of pick-up sticks following last winter's severe windstorms, Forest Service officials say a difficult summer of trail work lies ahead.

Northwest Montana wraps up record warm winter
April 6, 2026 8 p.m.

Northwest Montana wraps up record warm winter

West Glacier recorded its warmest winter in more than 75 years, finishing the 2025-26 season with an average daily temperature 6.6 degrees above normal.

Whitefish Mountain Resort closes season with steady visitation despite low snowfall
April 6, 2026 11 a.m.

Whitefish Mountain Resort closes season with steady visitation despite low snowfall

Overcoming one of the warmest winters in decades, Whitefish Mountain Resort ended its 2025-26 ski season Sunday as scheduled.