KALISPELL, Mont. — The Strikers U11 girls traveled to Kalispell, Montana for the annual Tamarack Fall Classic Tournament recently.

The girls opened the weekend facing off against the Missoula Strikers, who last year defeated them in another tournament final. This season, with the addition of a few players, the girls were up for the challenge, playing hard from the opening whistle. The Strikers netted eight, while the defense held solid only conceding one goal. Leading the scoring was Fiona MacDonald with four goals, Marlee McCrum with two, and Brecken Mire and Lily Evans each netting one.

Sandpoint faced Helena Arsenal in game two. This was the first time the Strikers had faced this team and it took some time to figure out how to break down Arsenal’s defense. When they did, Fiona found the back of the net again for another three goals. Demi Driggs, Ruby Jiles and Marlee each slotted one home. Again, the solid defense only allowed in one goal. An outstanding assist came from Reese Burnett. Reese is a center back’s nightmare. She will run at you all game long until you just don’t want to track her down anymore.

The third group game matched the Strikers up against the Flathead Rapids. The Strikers came out firing despite the 37 degree morning temperature, winning with an 8-1 score line. Hope Barnes and Hannah Stiller led with two goals each, followed by Ava Glahe, Brecken, Fiona and Marlee each adding one goal.

The Strikers found themselves heading into the final, advancing first in the bracket to again face the Helena Arsenal, second in the bracket. The Strikers knew what they were up against and scored in the opening seconds of the game. Arsenal’s coach stepped up the battle by making a few adjustments but the Strikers still landed on top of the podium with a score line of 5-3. Scoring was shared by Marlee and Fiona, each getting two goals and Demi earning one more to her name.

Defense all weekend was anchored with Lilliana Brinkmeier in the goal, Cecilia Dignan (center back), Mackenzie Mitchell, Ava Glahe (outside backs), and Bayah Ratigan (defensive midfield). They were tested often and were up to the challenge. These five players have come a long way working together game after game and it is starting to show.

From goalkeeper to center forward, starters to subs, every player left it out on the field. Coaches Alan Brinkmeier and Jessie Mire were very pleased to see all of the hard work these girls have put in and to see it start to show on the field. With the work rate and the natural talent on this team, they feel it will not be the last time they see the finals.

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