Lady Bulldogs blank Corvallis

WHITEFISH - The Lady Bulldogs picked the perfect time for one of their most complete performances.

The Whitefish High School girls' soccer team blanked Corvallis 2-0 Saturday in a Class A quarterfinal match, taking a resounding first step in its state title defense.

The Blue Devils showcased significant improvement since last month's 7-0 loss at Whitefish, but Saturday's tight score wasn't indicative of the Lady Bulldogs' thorough control.

Megan Powell began the scoring in the 27th minute, taking Kaitlyn Sleichter's perfect feed in the middle before firing the ball just beneath the crossbar.

Hayley Murphy was the catalyst behind the second goal, sending a gorgeous through ball to Meredith Reed, who launched it into the net 12 minutes into the second half.

The Northern A champion Lady Bulldogs out-shot the Southern A No. 3 Blue Devils 18-1.

"I was a little nervous because we have a tendency to not crash the goal, but our forwards stepped up a lot and they did amazing," Murphy said. "By the end of the game we were working as a team."

Murphy's assist was so instinctive and impressive that even she wasn't sure what made it possible.

"I don't even know, I've never assisted before," she said. "I thought if I could get (our forwards) a ball that they could run into that we would have a shot at scoring, and we did."

The Lady Bulldogs (8-4-1) are now just one victory away from another championship match berth.

"Obviously we're really excited," Whitefish coach Lini Reading said. "To make it back to the semifinals with all the (graduated players) we had last year and everything that's happened this year, I'm really proud of the kids.

"We weren't particularly pleased with our first half as far as the creativity all over the field, but they picked it up in the second half and pressured a lot better."

Whitefish's defense was its typical, smothering self, keeping the Lady Bulldogs even until their offense established a rhythm.

"They did a really nice job stepping in; not waiting for Corvallis to win the ball and run at them, but stepping in and winning it first," Reading said.

"Really, it was a total team effort today. Obviously, as always, Alissa LaChance was big for us all over the field."

Goalkeeper Tabitha Hooten made 15 saves to keep the Blue Devils close.

The Lady Bulldogs visit Southern A champion Hamiliton on Saturday. The Broncs edged Billings Central in Saturday's quarterfinal.

The good news for Whitefish is the Lady Bulldogs still have room to get even stronger.

"Obviously we have to do all the little things better; getting the ball wide earlier, just the little things," Reading said. "Our first touch wasn't very clean today. It cost us a lot of pressure."

Corvallis 0 0 - 0

Whitefish 1 1 - 2

WHITEFISH - Megan Powell (Kaitlyn Sleichter), 27:00; Meredith Reed (Hayley Murphy), 52:00

Shots on goal - Corv. 1, WF 18

Corner kicks - Corv. 3, WF 6

Goalie saves - Corv. 15 (Tabitha Hooten), WF 4 (Callie Marsh)

Fouls - Corv. 12, WF 10

Cards - None