Spectators of the first half of Thursday’s girls soccer match between Whitefish and Libby saw a physical and back-and-forth battle. The Lady Bulldogs didn’t truly dominate until the second half, when they scored five times and kept the Loggers off the board for a 5-0 victory. 

The Loggers were able to link several passes early in the game but were thwarted by a strong Bulldog defense. The first half saw the Libby defense up to the task, too, blocking multiple shots, some from close range. 

Whitefish Head Coach Kelly Ordway said senior midfielder Truth Baxter handled the opponents’ physicality with grace and strength. 

The Bulldog defense was strong for the entire game and earned the clean sheet. 

“Defense earned a strong shutout with junior Jackie Solem moving with confidence in goal,” Ordway said. “Junior Macie Schmidt and freshman Grace Sliman showed great tenacity, supported by the calm composure of Charlize Ullrich and freshman Sage Ordway.” 

With 15 minutes to go in the first half, the Bulldogs took a free kick from distance that nearly snuck in the upper corner but hit the post. 

Four different Whitefish players scored the team’s goals, demonstrating the team’s depth. Early in the second half, junior Taylor Dorvall scored the first Whitefish goal from the wing. Ordway noted Dorvall’s continued focus and drive. 

The rest of the offense worked together to pressure the Loggers’ defense. 

"Anna Guzman sent in a perfectly paced pass to assist Delaney Smith on the next,” Ordway said. “Mahalia Horton charged a cross in to get her second varsity goal of the season. Sadie Olson sent a driven ball into the side net for the fourth goal before assisting the Lady Bulldogs’ final goal of the night by Delaney Smith.” 

Whitefish’s homecoming game is at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 1, against Bigfork at Smith Fields.  

Sept. 26 Libby at Whitefish 

Fouls:  Whitefish 3, Libby 4; Corner Kicks: Whitefish 10, Libby 0; Goalkeeper Saves: Whitefish Jackie Solem 6, Libby Maura M 19; Shots on Goal: Whitefish 24, Libby 6 

    Taylor Dorvall takes a fall after battling for the ball with a Libby midfielder at Smith Fields on Thursday. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)
  

    Whitefish's Grace Sliman races to be first to the ball at the game against Libby on Thursday. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)