Bulldog soccer continued its winning ways last week as the boys and girls teams were victorious in Bigfork on Thursday, 1-0 and 4-2, respectively, and picked up wins against Columbia Falls on Saturday when the boys shut out the Wildcats 3-0 and the girls won 2-1. 

“At first we were a bit disjointed with the ball, but we grew into the game and eventually created some dangerous opportunities,” Whitefish Head Coach Eric Sawtelle said about the Bigfork game.  

The Whitefish boys converted a penalty kick and kept a clean sheet in Bigfork. Graysen Rembaugh drew the foul in the box in the 54th minute and freshman forward Roan Chisholm calmly slotted the ball into the side netting. 

“After we got the goal, our boys played with more confidence and created some good opportunities but were unable to finish,” Sawtelle said. “Credit to Bigfork. They pushed hard for an equalizer at the end, but our defense was excellent and finished off the match.”    

The Bulldogs outshot the Vikings 15-5 and accrued 14 fouls to Bigfork’s 8. 

“We are proud of the way our boys were organized defensively and worked together as a team,” Sawtelle said. “They did everything we asked of them, communicated well, anticipated and worked for each other to keep a clean sheet.”     

Sophomore midfielder Neva Sliman scored a hat trick for Whitefish in the girls win. She was assisted by Atley Bingham with a cross, Jenna Kimble’s through ball and a pass from Anna Boysen. 

The Valkyries scored first in the second minute of the match and the Lady Dogs answered with two more before the half. 

“This game was a physical battle,” Head Coach Kelly Ordway said.  

Bigfork took advantage of a free kick given after a questionable foul in the second half. One minute later, junior captain Sage Ordway scored the final goal of the game in the 46th minute with an assist from Adelle Flynn. 

"Delila Vine and Barrett Clark led the defense with pose and tenacity,” Ordway said. “Flynn helped control distribution in the midfield, and senior captain Boysen showcased her speed on the wing.”  

The Bulldog and Wildcat match was tight as usual, as the teams were evenly matched in terms of size and speed.  

Kellen Sawtelle scored first after Columbia Falls failed to clear a corner kick attempt in the 28th minute. Rembaugh added a goal in the 40th just before halftime after following up on his own shot after the Wildcat keeper made a save but the ball remained loose. Senior Chance Isles scored Whitefish’s third goal in the 73rd minute. 

“We could not be more proud of the way our boys showed up and played today,” Sawtelle said. “It was a great collective effort and a big step forward for our team.” 

The Whitefish coaching staff noted how the team communicated, defended, found offensive space, possessed the ball and generated opportunities. Sawtelle said the boys did everything that was asked of them. 

"We still have room to improve, and I have no doubt this group will be hungry to keep taking forward steps together,” he said. 

The defending girls state champs from Columbia Falls had an undefeated season in 2025 and were undefeated heading into Saturday’s match, but were outscored 2-1 by the Lady Bulldogs at Smith Fields. 

Jenna Kimble and Clark served up assists six minutes apart to Bingham for the two Whitefish goals in the second half. Piper Holm scored Columbia Falls’ only goal. 

Whitefish dominated early thanks to excellent passing.  

“It was a strong match up with solid 50-50 wins and distribution from midfielders Neva Sliman, Adelle Flynn and junior captain Sage Ordway,” Ordway said. “Senior goalkeeper Marlis Nargi had key saves behind a tenacious back line led by senior captain Delila Vine, Barrett Clark, Ayla Mosher and Grace Sliman.” 

Whitefish played in Libby on Tuesday and will meet Browning at home on Thursday. 

Reporter Julie Engler can be reached at 406-862-3505 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at whitefishpilot.com/support.

    The Whitefish boys soccer team celebrates a goal in its game against Columbia Falls on Saturday. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)
  

Whitefish boys take on Columbia Falls Saturday. (Chris Peterson/Hungry Horse News)

Whitefish girls soccer on Saturday. (Chris Peterson/Hungry Horse News)

    Freshman midfielder Rex Johnston heads the ball for the Bulldogs in the first half of the game with Columbia Falls on Saturday. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)
  

    Whitefish's Jenna Kimble keeps her eye on the ball during the game with Columbia Falls on Saturday at Smith Fields. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)
  

    Adelle Flynn shields the ball from a defender on Saturday. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)
  

    Sophomore Neva Sliman looks for a call as her mark grabs her jersey during a battle for the ball on Saturday. (Julie Engler/Whitefsh Pilot)
  

    Adelle Flynn shields the ball from a defender on Saturday. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)
  

    Bulldog Tyler Larkin clears the ball from the defensive end on Saturday. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)
  

Barrett Clark at the game against Columbia Falls. (Chris Peterson/Hungry Horse News)