Thursday, September 10, 2026
50.0°F

Lady Bulldogs soccer season ends, but the future is bright

JULIE ENGLER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 10 months, 3 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

Whitefish soccer gathers wins on the road
September 9, 2026 1 a.m.

Whitefish soccer gathers wins on the road

Whitefish soccer teams brought home two wins from road games last week.

Centenarian celebrates, supports local foundation that helps kids in need
September 4, 2026 midnight

Centenarian celebrates, supports local foundation that helps kids in need

A gathering last week at Bibler Home and Gardens in Kalispell, originally planned as a funeral, was instead, a vibrant 100th birthday party for Whitefish resident Dr. Jean Todd.

Photos: Meeting mules
September 2, 2026 1 a.m.

Photos: Meeting mules

Several mules who work in the Bob Marshall Wilderness were accepting visitors at the Whitefish Credit Union Monday as part of the Great Fish Community Challenge.