Lady Bulldogs soccer post six goals in opener
Matt Baldwin / Whitefish Pilot Lady Bulldog soccer player Karissa DeMarco controls the ball in a game against Stevensville on Friday. Whitefish won the home game, 6-0.
The Whitefish varsity girls soccer team is going to be fun to watch this season.
New coach Erin Morrison's offensive-minded tactics were on full display in Friday's 6-0 win against Stevensville, as the Lady Bulldogs posted 21 shots on goal in the season opener.
Karissa DeMarco found the back of the net twice, and the Bulldogs defense was never threatened in the lopsided match. Also scoring goals were senior Becca Strellnauer, sophomore Sam Dittman, sophomore Cherstin Ling and freshman Megan Danczyk.
Morrison said she was impressed with the girls' performance and their ability to keep the ball moving.
"I wanted the girls to play a two-touch game," she said. "They worked hard to get the best possible play on goal and to keep up the pace of the game."
She said DeMarco had an awesome game despite playing out of her normal position. DeMarco practiced at the midfield position all week, but played the game at forward, affording her the opportunities on goal.
"Karissa played composed ball," Morrison said. "She is a great utility player. I think she will even play defense in the upcoming game against Billings."
Whitefish travels to Billings Central on Friday to play the nonconference game which will be a rematch of last year's State A championship.
"It's going to be a very tough match," Morrison said of the upcoming game. "But I think we are a really fast and skilled team. We are mentally tough."
The Lady Bulldogs will feature a 4-3-3 formation against Billings Central, putting more players on the offensive end of the field to create more scoring chances. Morrison says she has a lot of confidence in her defense and in keeper Madisen Cross, which allows the team to put more pressure on the opposing team's defense by loading up the front line.
"We can't win without points," Morrison said of her intention to push the ball up field. "It's nice to feel good about the keeper. Madisen has a really nice touch — it makes the defense feel confident and opens up the field."
Billings Central is 2-0 on the season, most recently beating Hamilton 3-0.