Sandpoint 2, Pocatello 1

CALDWELL — Sophomores Ava Glahe and Mackenzie Mitchell scored two first-half goals to help No. 4 Sandpoint upset No. 1 Pocatello, 2-1 in the state semi-finals held at Brothers Park on Friday.

Just six minutes into the game, Pocatello’s Kellie Christensen scored off a corner kick to give the Thunder a 1-0 lead.

“We knew they were going to be dangerous on attack,” head coach Conor Baranski said. “We had already talked about what the appropriate response would be after conceding, and to our credit, the girls did exactly that.”

Mitchell, who scored in yesterday’s 2-0 win over Skyline, tied the game 1-1 after scoring an unassisted goal that ricocheted off a defender and went in during the 12th minute. Later in the first half, Glahe scored off an assist from Marlee McCrum during the 37th minute to give the Bulldogs the 2-1 advantage. Sandpoint was able to hold off the Thunder for the remainder of the game, and booked their ticket to the state championship match.

“Today was a battle,” Baranski said. “Pocatello is a physical team, and we gave it right back to them. They were undefeated, but I don’t think they faced a team as organized and tough as the Bulldogs yet this season. I’m hugely proud of our players, and am excited for another state title game against Bishop Kelly.”

No. 4 Sandpoint (10-5-3) faces No. 2 Bishop Kelly (17-3-3) in the state championship match which is being held at Middleton High School on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. (MST).

1st half – 1, POC, Kellie Christensen, 6’. 2, SPT, Mackenzie Mitchell (unassisted), 12’. 3, SPT, Ava Glahe (Marlee McCrum), 37’. 2nd half – None.

Shots – Sandpoint 15, Pocatello 18.

Saves – Sandpoint, Lilliana Brinkmeier 17. Pocatello, unknown, 13.