State A girls soccer: Billings Central blows by Wildkats

It was a down right dreary, miserable day for the Columbia Falls girls soccer team all the way around.

Weather wise, it was damp, cold and drizzly.

Scoring wise, just as chilling and equally unbearable.

Billings Central found the net four times in the first 23 minutes and six times total to post a lopsided 6-0 victory over the Wildkats in the Class A championship match at Flip Darling Field on Saturday.

“We had some defensive breakdowns,” Columbia Falls coach Greg Trenerry said in the first 23 minutes.

“When you do that against that kind of team, it will kill you.”

The title for the juggernaut Rams was their fifth straight. They have lost just once during that stretch while posting an incredible 74 wins.

Columbia Falls was looking for its second state championship.

“They have had a heavy target on their back and have carried that pressure with them (all season),” Billings Central coach Laurie Stergar said of being the favorites.

“They have done an incredible job with that burden.

“We didn’t think about the past, we don’t talk about what’s behind us. We move forward, focus on the moment in front of us.”

It marked the second time Billings Central made the long journey to the Flathead Valley this fall. The first trip was back in September and also favored the Rams, 3-0.

“They played well,” Stergar said of her squad.

“They have been preparing for this. One game at a time ... another soccer game and (the title is) yours.”

Allie Lucas scored three goals — 17, 23 and 74 minutes.

Holly Davison set the tone early with her goal in the 4th minute. She also scored at 68 minutes.

“That was our motto — score early and often,” Stergar said.

“It was a lot of fun.”

Lucas and Davison finished the season with 22 goals apiece.

Sammy Elliott had the other goal at 14 minutes.

“We didn’t look past Whitefish,” Stergar said of the 2-1 semifinal win over the Bulldogs last week in Billings.

“This is a focused team, highly disciplined. And, they are really good friends.”

Billings Central outshot Columbia Falls on goal 15-3 and led in corner kicks 4-0.

“My hat’s off to Billings,” Trenerry said.

“They totally outplayed us. We couldn’t get any offense generated. Our midfield was up more on defense, not on the attack.”

The loss for Columbia Falls (12-2-1) was its first in 14 matches.

“I give the girls credit (for battling hard in the second half),” Trenerry said.

“I’m still proud of our girls. They had a great season.”

 Trenerry was also appreciative of the efforts of Columbia Falls activities director Troy Bowman and the parents and fans that helped with snow removal from the field earlier in the day to assure an 11 a.m. start time.

“I want to thank all of them for doing that,” he said.

“That was great.”

The day was extra special for Stergar as she logged her 100th coaching victory in her eighth season as head coach.

Billings Central came into this match having outscored the opposition 75-2.

Billings Central    4    2    —    6

Columbia Falls    0    0    —    0

Billings Central — Holly Davison (Sammy Elliott), 4:14; Elliott (Allie Lucas), 14:17; Lucas (Amy Mueller), 17:00; Lucas (Morgan McDonnell), 23:00; Davison, 68:52; Lucas, 74:11

Shots on goal — Billings Central 15, Columbia Falls 3; Corner kicks — Billings Central 4, Columbia Falls 0; Goalie saves — Billings Central 1 (Hadley Ryan), Columbia Falls 9 (Kira Kamrud); Fouls — Billings Central 7, Columbia Falls 4; Cards — None.