Whitefish soccer teams’ homecoming games against the Libby Loggers last week resulted in the girls and boys each posting a win. 

The Bulldogs’ Kyler Jonson earned a hat trick, Henry Barbieri had a brace and Rowan Perkins, Tyler Larkin and Greyson Rembaugh each scored in the team’s 8-1 win.  

Whitefish had 18 shots on goal, and half of all the goals scored in the game came before the 8th minute. 

Whitefish started strong and showed improvement over the team's last meeting with the Loggers, when it took much of the first half to find rhythm. 

"We came out and played with purpose and intent in the opening five minutes and were rewarded with a few early goals,” Whitefish Head Coach Eric Sawtelle said. “The thing I liked most about this game is that every player on the roster made a positive contribution to the match.” 

Sawtelle said it was a strong collective team performance and, although the team still has a few things to work on, they are making progress each week. 

"Henry Barbieri had a really good match, leading the press up top and was a constant threat and menace to Libby's defenders. His efforts set a positive tone early on,” Sawtelle said. “Jack Oehlerich and Grayson Rembaugh put in impressive shifts on the wings, both offensively and defensively, and Kyler Jonson continued his highly impressive form, notching another hat trick.” 

Defensively, the Bulldogs were adept at recognizing threats posed by the Libby possession throughout the game. 

“Wyatt Carlson helped to lead that effort and put in another strong performance in the No. 6 (central defensive midfielder) position,” Sawtelle said. “I am proud of the growth the team is showing and our strength in depth is really impressive. We are all very much looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead.” 

The Lady Bulldogs won the homecoming match against Libby 3-0, with six members of the team directly contributing to the goals. 

Neva Sliman, Atley Bingham and Sage Ordway scored with assists from Anna Boysen, Adelle Flynn and Taylor Dorvall, respectively. The Whitefish girls record thus far is 8-1-0. 

It was a hard-fought match, with the Loggers bringing the heat and forcing Whitefish to exhibit patience and control. Libby’s defense was fearless, but the Loggers were unable to get a shot on goal, while Whitefish racked up 14 shots on frame. 

“We are moving the ball around beautifully and had 95% of the possession tonight,” Whitefish Head Coach Kelly Ordway said. “Delila Vine had great composure, distribution and drives from center back. 

“Taylor Dorvall and Atley Bingham had excellent possession and penetration from the wing,” she added. “Neva Sliman brought fierce intensity in the middle and Sage Ordway brought extra energy into the attack.” 

Whitefish goalkeepers Jackie Solem and Marlis Nargi earned the shutout. 

Both Whitefish teams travel to Bigfork on Oct. 2, and they will play Columbia Falls on Senior Night, Oct. 7, at Smith Fields.  

    Senior Lady Bulldog Macie Schmidt takes a shot against the Libby Loggers last week. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)
  

    Taylor Dorvall hits the brakes to avoid colliding with the Libby goalkeeper last week at Smith Fields. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)
  

    Taylor Dorvall hits the brakes to avoid colliding with the Libby goalkeeper last week at Smith Fields. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)
  

    Whitefish's Barrett Clark rips a shot from distance in the Libby match last week while her teammate, Anna Guzman, repositions. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)
  

    Bulldog Henry Barbieri attempts to block a boot from the Libby goalkeeper last week at Smith Fields. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)
  

    Bulldog sophomore Judah Colt protects the ball and keeps possession against Libby last week. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)
  

    Senior Bulldog Tyler Larkin carries the ball through the midfield. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)