Sunday, August 02, 2026
64.0°F

Lady Bulldogs soccer season ends, but the future is bright

JULIE ENGLER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 9 months, 2 weeks AGO
by JULIE ENGLER
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 22, 2025 1:00 AM

The Lady Bulldogs lost a close match against Bigfork, 1-2, thereby ending their successful season. Seven freshmen players started the game, so the future is bright for Whitefish girls soccer. 

“Bigfork came in hot offensively, and Whitefish’s defense held up strong,” said Whitefish Head Coach Kelly Ordway.  

Early in the game, Whitefish senior Anna Guzman sent in a powerful shot from outside the 18 that hit the cross bar. 

Bigfork scored off a corner kick in the first half. They netted another in the second half when they were granted a short range direct free kick in the 42nd minute. Whitefish’s Neva Sliman sank a penalty shot to get the Dawgs on the board with just minutes left to play. 

“Whitefish pulled out the reserve tanks and had Bigfork on their heels for the final 25 minutes, with another shot hitting the cross bar and several other very close strikes,” Ordway said.  

In the 81st minute, a Bigfork foul in the box gave Whitefish a penalty kick.  

“Freshman Neva Sliman maintained ice cold composure with booming stands, placing her shot in the bottom corner,” Ordway added. “It was a championship level match that, unfortunately, met at the play-in.” 


ARTICLES BY JULIE ENGLER

North Valley Music School hosts three-day bluegrass festival
July 30, 2026 midnight

North Valley Music School hosts three-day bluegrass festival

North Valley Music School’s new program director Taylor Ackley has planned a treat for the Flathead Valley in the form of the three-day Bluegrass and Roots Mini Festival.

Forever chemicals in Whitefish water supply below level that requires treatment, city officials say
July 29, 2026 1 a.m.

Forever chemicals in Whitefish water supply below level that requires treatment, city officials say

Mike Koopal, executive director of the Whitefish Lake Institute, reported to the City Council earlier this month that PFAS, or forever chemicals, were found in all the surface water bodies in Whitefish.

Whitefish explores options for a second fire station
July 29, 2026 1 a.m.

Whitefish explores options for a second fire station

The city of Whitefish is exploring options to build a second fire station on the north side of the Baker Avenue viaduct.