POST FALLS — The second-seeded Sandpoint Bulldogs took their first step toward a state championship Thursday morning as they soundly defeated Vallivue 3-1 at the Real Life Fields in Post Falls.

Powered by an incredibly quick start, scoring two goals in the first five minutes of the game, Sandpoint coach Connor Baranski said he was super-impressed with his team’s effort.

“It definitely set the tone and I think Vallivue was shellshocked,” Baranksi said.

Senior Kailee McNamee would get the Bulldogs on the board first with a goal in the third minute, assisted by Freshman Ava Glahe.

Just two minutes later, Sandpoint would strike again with a goal from senior Kimbo Yarnell in the fifth minute, assisted by Marlee McCrum.

After controlling much of the play for the half, senior Riley Medeiros would put up an insurance marker in the 33rd minute, also assisted by McCrum.

“Marlee McCrum continues her impressive improvement throughout the last few games of the season,” Baranski said of the breakthrough sophomore. “She controlled large parts of the game.”

Vallivue would go on to show a little more success in the second half, avoiding a shutout with a goal in the 65th minute, but Sandpoint largely outplayed their first round opponent from start to finish.

Baranski chalked up this high intensity play partially to the standard the girls hold themselves to.

“After the district game (versus Moscow) they put a lot of pressure on themselves to succeed,” he said. “They know that we (the Sandpoint girls soccer program) are tied for the most state titles in Idaho girls soccer history.”

He also highlighted the play of junior Aliya Strock, who served as both a defender and midfielder on Thursday, and hopes that the team effort in this game carries over to the next.

The Sandpoint girls take to the field again in Post Falls on today at 2 p.m. against Twin Falls.