Cats down Dogs, first time in years

The Columbia Falls girls soccer team will be looking to build off an exciting 2-1 win over Whitefish on Thursday as they move into playoffs this Saturday.

With the win, the Wildcats secured second place in the North A conference. It was the Cats’ first win over the Bulldogs in five years.

Friday’s match on Smith Fields was a tight one – and a great team effort for the Wildcats to beat their rival Bulldogs.

“It was a special night,” said coach Thomas Clark, “Those seniors had never beaten Whitefish before in their high school careers.” Clark was proud of his entire team’s efforts, from senior leaders Hope McAtee, Josie Harris and McKenzee West to the team’s newest freshmen who went head-to-head with Whitefish’s All-State seniors to clinch the win.

Harris drew a penalty in the box and McAtee punched the free kick in to tie the game at 1-1, 65 minutes in.

West played offensively – a new role for her – to score the Cats’ second goal on a feed from McAtee 10 minutes later.

“She was a spark plug for us,” Clark said of West’s energy and enthusiasm. The back line was also on their best game, with keeper Erica Burguiere making several key saves.

“It takes all 11 players on the field and the whole bench to beat a team like that,” Clark said.

The Cats will take on the Hamilton Broncs in Hamilton on Saturday at 1 p.m. for a chance to make it into the semifinals, which would take place at home for the Cats.

The Lady Bronce are the No. 1 seed from the south and are undefeated.

Clark noted that last year, the Broncs gave Whitefish a run for their money in the playoffs, with many of their key players returning this year – including Hannah Hughes, who is just behind the Cats’ McAtee in goals this season.

He expected the game to be a tough and exciting challenge for his team.

Columbia Falls 0 2 — 2

Whitefish 1 0 — 1

WF — Isabelle Cooke 35:00

CF — Hope McAtee 65:00

CF — Kenzee West (McAtee) 75:00

Shots — CF 19, WF 16. Goalie saves — CF 12 (Erica Burguiere), WF 19 (Norah Schmidt). Corner kicks — CF 3, WF 3. Fouls — CF 9, WF 7. Cards — none.