Lady Bulldogs tie rival Wildkats, 1-1
JULIE ENGLER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 4 months AGO
Jack Oehlerrich beats the Wildcat defender to the ball in the first half of the game last week. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)
Lady Bulldog Ayla Mosher moves through the midfield against the Wildkats last week. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)
Anna Boysen looks to outmaneuver a tough Wildkat defense. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)
Sage Ordway breaks away from Columbia Falls Onnika Lawrence in the Dogs 1-1 Tie against the Kats. Seth Anderson Photo.
Millie Meyer fights for possession in the Lady Bulldogs' game against Columbia Falls last week. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)
Lady Bulldog Taylor Dorvall receives hugs and flowers at senior night last week. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)
Bulldog goalkeeper Bjorn Bungener and his mother are recognized at senior night last week. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)
Whitefish senior Ben Dow focuses on the ball near the sideline. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)
Bulldog Griffin Johnson spins away from a defender in the first half of the Columbia Falls game last week. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)
Hayley Reardon makes her way towards the goal in a duel against Columbia Falls Oct. 7. Seth Anderson Photo.
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 [email protected] or 406-882-3505. | October 15, 2025 1:00 AM
Whitefish’s soccer teams clashed with rival Columbia Falls in a set of challenging and physical games last week.
The Lady Bulldogs tied the Wildkats 1-1, while the Columbia Falls boys edged out the Bulldogs, 2-1.
The girls teams battled to a scoreless tie in the first half in a game that was dominated by the Lady Bulldogs. Whitefish freshman Ayla Mosher scored in the 65th minute when she took advantage of a fumble by the Columbia Falls keeper, who had come out of the box.
The Wildkats answered quickly when Riley Byrd got her whole foot on a strike and scored less than 10 minutes later.
“As always, a strong and evenly matched game with opportunities on both sides,” Whitefish Head Coach Kelly Ordway said. “Freshman Neva Sliman was MVP of the match, bringing speed, tenacity and relentless work ethic to shut down the opponent’s attack at outside defensive back.
“Senior Jackie Solem made some great saves and midfielder Atley Bingham created great opportunities with her poised distribution,” she added.
The two closely matched boys teams battled as expected to a 1-2 win for the Cats. Columbia Falls opened the scoring in the 23rd minute after a bit of a frenzied start.
“We are proud of the effort our boys put in tonight,” Whitefish Head Coach Eric Sawtelle said. “Everyone gave it everything and that is all we can ever ask. Credit to Columbia Falls -- it's always a challenging and exciting match.”
The Bulldogs came out for the second half with a seemingly renewed sense of purpose and made a few good drives, and several shots on goal hit the posts. Whitefish outshot Columbia Falls, 15-10
“Playing against Columbia Falls is often a game of fine margins,” Sawtelle said. “We created enough chances to win the game but unfortunately hitting the post instead of the net does not get the result.”
The Wildcats scored again in the 50th minute and Whitefish got on the scoreboard in the 64th minute with an own goal by Columbia Falls.
“Our boys know they are capable of beating any opponent and finishing the season on a high,” he added. “Moving forward we will be 100% focused on improving and putting ourselves in a position to accomplish our goals.”
It was senior night in Whitefish. Senior players were honored between the games as they walked across the field with family members and were cheered by the crowd.
The Whitefish teams each won 5-1, when they met Thompson Falls/Plains for the last game of the regular season.
Bulldog Jack Oehlerich opened the scoring in the 4th minute. Kyler Jonson added two and Ben Dow, one, before halftime. Oehlerich added one ten minutes into the second half.
Four Lady Bulldogs were responsible for Whitefish’s goals. Sliman, Hayley Reardon, Millie Meyer and Delila Vine each scored, with assists from Bingham, Sliman and Taylor Dorvall.
Katherine Wrobleski scored for the Blue Hawks and Hawk keeper, Ava Lawyer, made 17 saves.
The first round of the state playoffs begins Oct. 18.
Lady Bulldog Ayla Mosher moves through the midfield against the Wildkats last week. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)
Sage Ordway breaks away from Columbia Falls Onnika Lawrence in the Dogs 1-1 Tie against the Kats. Seth Anderson Photo.
Anna Boysen looks to outmaneuver a tough Wildkat defense. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)
Millie Meyer fights for possession in the Lady Bulldogs' game against Columbia Falls last week. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)
Lady Bulldog Taylor Dorvall receives hugs and flowers at senior night last week. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)
Bulldog goalkeeper Bjorn Bungener and his mother are recognized at senior night last week. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)
Whitefish senior Ben Dow focuses on the ball near the sideline. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)
Bulldog Griffin Johnson spins away from a defender in the first half of the Columbia Falls game last week. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)
Hayley Reardon makes her way towards the goal in a duel against Columbia Falls Oct. 7. Seth Anderson Photo.ARTICLES BY JULIE ENGLER
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