Whitefish girls fall to Laurel in semifinals
JULIE ENGLER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 weeks, 1 day AGO
Julie Engler covers Whitefish City Hall and writes community features for the Whitefish Pilot. She earned master's degrees in fine arts and education from the University of Montana. She can be reached at jengler@whitefishpilot.com or 406-882-3505. | October 30, 2024 12:00 AM
The Whitefish girls soccer team had a season they can be proud of after stellar play and exemplary teamwork earned them a place in the State Class A semifinals. The Lady Bulldogs finished the year with a record of 10-4-1 after they lost to the Laurel Locomotives, 3-0 on Saturday.
Two starting Lady Bulldogs, senior Delaney Smith and junior defender Macie Schmidt, suffered ankle injuries in the quarterfinal game and were unable to play in the semis. Whitefish Head Coach Kelly Ordway said they were greatly missed.
Laurel’s Darby Boehler scored first, in the sixth minute, after taking a shot from 20 yards out. The second goal came when the Locomotive scored on a breakaway.
Ordway said Laurel has a strong attack with impressive speed.
“We were gaining momentum and connecting well in the midfield with senior Truth Baxter and junior Anna Guzman,” Ordway said. “Anna Boysen subbed in, adding speed to our attack.”
Laurel’s third and final goal came in the second half on a header from a corner kick.
"We amplified our attack but didn’t put any in the net,” Ordway said. “Though we are disappointed to be bringing an end to the season, we are very proud of all our players.”
Laurel will meet Billings Central for the final game on Saturday, Nov. 2, in Billings.
The Billings Central girls topped Columbia Falls 3-2 to advance.
Whitefish v Laurel, Oct. 26
Laurel 2 1 - 3
Whitefish 0 0 - 0
L — Darby Boehler 6:00
L — Elly Poser 22:00
L — Aubri Roth 47:00
Shots — Whitefish 8, Laurel 20. Saves — Whitefish 17 (Jackie Solem), Laurel 8 (Raelyn Wagner). Corner kicks — Whitefish 4, Laurel 10. Fouls — Whitefish 2, Laurel 2.
Fouls: Whitefish 2, Laurel 2. Corner Kicks: Whitefish 4, Laurel 10. Goalkeeper Saves: Whitefish Jackie Solem 17, Laurel Raelyn Wagner 8. Shots on Goal: Whitefish 8, Laurel 20.