Wildkats' title bid falls short in semifinal loss

COLUMBIA FALLS — Josie Windauer, Flora Jarvis, Lexi Purcell and Graceanne Sevesind made their way down the length of the soccer field at Columbia Falls High School for maybe the last time. Hand-in-hand, there were smiles, tears and embraces as they walked.

Their season had ended moments before, one game away from the Class A state title game. Laurel dealt the 3-1 loss and advanced instead, its sixth consecutive appearance in the final.

The Wildkats had one of the best seasons in school history, finishing 13-2. A win would have tied the record for the most wins in a season. Windauer set a new school record for goals (33) and sophomore Maddie Robison tied the record for assists, with 15.

“I’m proud of these girls for having a season like this,” coach Thomas Clark said. “It’s not every day where you can go undefeated in conference and get the kind of results that we did all season. One of the best seasons in school history is something they’ll always be able to hold on to.”

Right after the game, Clark had a message for the team.

“Sometimes you’re going to lose,” Clark said. “You’re going to face challenges in your life and no matter what you’re doing in your life you’ve got to compete every day like you’re competing to be the best you you can be and you’re competing to be a champion. Sometimes you’re going to fall short of that but it doesnt mean you can stop trying to be the best version of yourself or be a the champion that you want be.”

Columbia Falls scored early in the game on a set play but it was disallowed. That call seemed to change the complexion of the game.

Laurel’s Chloe Baumann and Morgan Maack added goals at 17:00 and 30:00.

But the Wildkats didn’t quit.

Cheyanne Johnston-Heinz scored off a corner kick four minutes before halftime to cut the deficit in half.

Maack added her second goal of the game with five minutes remaining.

“I’m proud of the girls for the fact you go down 2-0 to a team of this caliber, it’s easy to just emotionally not continue to fight,” Clark said. “We just couldnt find enough chances, couldn’t find the back of the net. It was their day. They’re a well-coached team. They fight hard, they’re pretty technical. On a different day, the ball bounces a different way, we have them.”

Laurel will play the winner of Billings Central at Whitefish in the state final.

Laurel 2 1 — 3

Columbia Falls 1 0 — 1

L — Chloe Baumann 17:00

L — Morgan Maack 30:00

CF — Cheyanne Johnston-Heinz 36:00

L — Maack 75:00

Shots on goal — Laurel 16, Columbia Falls 7; Goalie saves — Laurel 1, Columbia Falls 9; Corner kicks — Laurel 6, Columbia Falls 3; Fouls — Laurel 10, Columbia Falls 3; Cards — None.