Lady Bulldogs look dominant again

Girls allow only one shot on goal against Lady Yellowjackets in soccer opener

By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot

The Whitefish High School girls soccer team got off to a fast start on Saturday, downing nonconference opponent Stevensville 7-0 in the season opener for both teams.

Both the offense and defense clicked for the Lady Bulldogs, which took second at state last year with a starter-depleted team.

Sophomore Jordan Carper, who has been playing soccer all summer in co-ed leagues, had a hat trick for Whitefish.

Meagan Powell, Hannah Long and freshmen Natalie Gaynor and Sam Dittman also scored.

Carly Lengstorf had three assists. Dittman, Powell, Meredith Reed and Teal Gaynor each had one assist.

The fact that the Whitefish ladies are getting offensive production from freshmen and sophomores is a testament to both the quality of the feeder programs and to the future dominance of girls soccer teams.

The Whitefish defense allowed just one shot on sophomore goalkeeper Calli Marsh.

"It's a nice way to start," head coach Lini Reading said. "Our defense looked really strong. The seniors really took charge and showed some wonderful leadership, but we don't want to let it go to our heads yet."

The stage is set this year for the Lady Bulldogs to make another run at the state title. Eight seniors are back, and seven will start (Heather Melcer is out temporarily due to a knee injury).

Look for All-State senior forward Carly Lengstorf to have the best season of her career. Already, she is making a splash with her leadership on and off the field.

"Carly played one of the prettiest distributive games I've ever seen," Reading said of the debut game. "She was just handing the other girls the ball on a silver platter."

Also returning for their senior years are All-Conference midfielders Hannah Long, Kylee Smith and Meagan Powell.

All-Conference stopper Kelsey McCluskey will anchor the defense, along with midfielder Teal Gaynor. Junior starters are Megan Apple, Becca Strellnauer and Meredith Reed.

Last year, the Lady Bulldogs went 9-5 overall and 6-1-1 in their conference. They lost a heartbreaker to Belgrade in OT in the state championship game on the road, and they're hungry for redemption.

"Our seniors, most of them, have played in the state championship game all three years they've been here," Reading said. "They realize what it's going to take to get there again."

Reading is in her 12th year as head coach, and she said the 2008 team has a lot of leadership and experience.

"Almost everyone got votes for captain," she said. "The older girls are doing a great job of working with the younger girls and building their confidence."

The Whitefish girls know they will have their hands full in their conference this year. Columbia Falls is always strong, and Libby has an extremely talented team. Conference opponent Hamilton is returning 11 seniors.

"Their goals are just like ours," Reading said. "We would be happy with nothing short of a state championship."

The Lady Bulldogs will take on a tough Billings Central team at home this Friday. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. at Smith Fields in Whitefish.