Wildcats down Blue Devils, 10-0, gear up for Bigfork
Isla Alexander battles for the ball during the Wildkats win over Corvallis this past weekend. Seth Anderson Photo.
By BRANDON HANSEN
For the Hungry Horse News
Columbia Falls was a whirlwind on the pitch on Saturday, Sept. 7, picking up a 10-0 victory over Corvallis in Class A soccer action.
“Our pace of play and decision-making was quick and deliberate,” Columbia Falls coach Thomas Clark said. “The girls moved the ball well, and when you can score early and often, you can control the flow and dictate the game.”
Onnika Lawrence scored in the second minute of the game off an Evie Dorr assist, erasing any nerves the Wildkats might have playing for the first time at home relatively early in the season. Lawrence would score again at the 14th-minute mark. Bella Mann and Apani Awua also added goals for a 4-0 halftime lead.
Six minutes into the second half, Lawrence found the back of the net again, thanks to a pass from Isla Alexander. Riley Byrd was a beast for the Wildkats as well, scoring two goals and assisting on two more. Mann scored two goals in the game, while Taryn Borgen also scored for the Wildkats.
Lawrence, only a sophomore, has five goals on the season.
“We watched her have a great year as a freshman, and now we’re seeing her grow as a sophomore, taking on more of a role offensively and taking that pressure of being the scoring threat on her shoulders,” Clark said. “Riley is also a sophomore and pulled the strings for us.”
Clark also praised his defensive backline and goalkeeper, saying he could probably highlight every player during the game. Evie Door also had a great performance as central midfielder. Corvallis had just one shooting opportunity against Columbia Falls.
The Wildkats improve to 2-1 on the year and will now gear up for Bigfork at home on Thursday at 7 p.m.
“Bigfork has had a really good playoff team for the last three years,” Clark said. “They are one of the tougher teams in the state, and we saw them in the semifinals last year. It’s going to be tough and physical, and we’re excited for the first conference game. The girls are in a really good spot, have worked hard in practice, and are ready to put on a show.”