A large number of freshmen make up the 24 athletes who came out for Badger girls soccer, guaranteeing varsity and junior varsity teams for the program. Last year, the program saw 22 girls come out.

Nine players have returned from last year’s squad, with only two seniors, Brooke Petesch and Lena Teele returning.  

Although most of the team is young, they are not new to soccer.  

Bonners Ferry head coach Emily Winebark said that eight freshmen regularly attended summer league soccer, and some have played league in Sandpoint. They show promise and are getting to work.  

The Badgers had many highlights last season finishing third in league and coming back from falling to Timberlake 7-2 earlier in the season. The Badgers defeated the Tigers 1-0 at district.  

Bonners also improved against Coeur d’Alene Charter, the would-be-Goliath that has dominated the Intermountain League, defeating opponents by upward of seven goals or even in the double digits. In their second meeting last season, the Badgers held the Panthers to two goals.  

Charter has visited the state championship tournament the past nine years earning six state championships, one second place and one fourth-place trophy. 

Last season, the Badgers qualified for a state playoff game against Fruitland. After overtime, the score remained 1-1, and the winner was decided by penalty kicks.  

Fruitland won by going 3-1 over Bonners.  

Starting out the first week of the Badgers focused on conditioning and shaking off the rust when it comes to passing and footwork.  

Winebark said the new team is working through new dynamics and player positions are still being decided.  

The Badgers first game is Saturday, August 24 at 2 p.m. against Stillwater Christian. 

    (right) Senior Brooke Petesch plays keep-away from a teammate during a drill at practice.
  

    Hallie Thomson runs through a sprinting drill at practice.