Girls thump T-Falls, but lose to Bigfork

By BRANDON HANSEN

Hungry Horse News

The North Conference is still up for grabs, and Columbia Falls will continue to battle for it even after a 3-2 loss to Bigfork on Saturday, Sept. 28.

“Bigfork has a smaller field that is bumpier, and they press you on defense, and they use your mistakes against you,” Columbia Falls coach Thomas Clark said. “We made some mistakes, and they did just that. That field with a good Bigfork team is a hard place to get a result.”

Bigfork’s play has put it into a strong position as the conference’s top three—including Columbia Falls and Whitefish—fight for the top spot.

Columbia Falls led 1-0 at halftime as Onnika Lawrence scored in the 12th minute on a Brenna Ruggiero assist. Bigfork, however, scored three second-half goals, and Taylor Rodgers scored in the 81st minute on a Lawrence assist, but the Wildcats couldn’t close the gap.

“Senior night was the previous evening and in that situation its hard to get up for a game less than 24 hours later against one of the best teams in the conference, but our girls were ready, Bigfork just played a great game,” Clark said.

That previous night, there was a wave of emotions as the Wildcats honored seniors Erica Burguiere, Brenna Ruggiero, Apani Awua, and Taryn Borgen. Thompson Falls jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first 13 minutes, but Columbia Falls battled back and never looked back.

“If I’ve learned anything in all my years coaching, it is that senior night is full of emotions and comes with all different types of performances,” Clark said. “The girls came out with a little less energy than normal and that cost us in the beginning of the game. We came out strong after that and got the result we needed. Our four seniors have meant so much to our team, and our entire community is so proud of them.”  

Riley Byrd scored Columbia Falls’ first goal on a Mila Johns assist in the 18th minute. Evie Dorr scored four minutes later to tie things up thanks to an Isla Alexander assist. Tatiana Raymond scored to put the Wildcats ahead in the 32nd minute. Byrd then had her second goal of the game as Taylor Rodgers provided the pass for the 4-2 halftime lead.

Columbia Falls then exploded for five goals. Rodgers found Alexander for a goal in the 42nd minute, then Rodgers scored in the 44th minute. Alexander scored her second goal in the 46th minute on a Johns assist. Bella Mann and Onnika Lawrence finished off the Wildcats’ scoring barrage with goals as well.

Rodgers, playing the wingback position has two goals and three assists in the previous two games. While Raymond also plays windback, as does Mann, they all found scoring opportunities despite not being forwards.

“We have a lot of different players who can score goals, and that makes it difficult for other teams to counter,” Clark said. “Throw in Brenna Ruggiero, and it’s just incredible to have multiple players who can service the offense or finish with a goal.”

While the season will be a spring to the finish, the playoffs will provide a much-coveted week and a half to prepare for one opponent. 

On Tuesday, Bella Mann scored three times and Riley Byrd added two goals and two assists as Columbia Falls defeated Stillwater Christian 10-0.