Bulldogs rock Breakers

WHITEFISH — It was a statement win to start off the Class A soccer playoffs for the Whitefish Lady Bulldogs, who dispatched the Loyola-Sacred Heart Breakers by a score of 10-0 Saturday at Smith Fields in a quarterfinal game.

Emma Barron scored four goals in the first half. Olivia Genovese scored twice and had an assist and Maeve Ingelfinger assisted on two goals and scored once.

The Bulldogs controlled play from the outset.

“It was pretty comprehensive,” coach Roland Benedict said. “And I think that’s the big thing is, we are hitting the goal. We created a lot, but we didn’t shoot unless it was a good chance, we were on balance.”

According to Benedict, the Bulldogs had 71 percent possession and 19 shots with 12 shots being on target.

Whitefish was also without the services of Brooke Roberts, who is recovering from an ankle injury.

Adrienne Healy’s goal two minutes in got things started for Whitefish. Barron started her scoring explosion in the 11th minute — she scored four times in a span of 20 minutes.

The Bulldogs got a week off to train and hone their skills before Saturday’s game, something Benedict noted they had not been able to do for a while. It seemed to pay off.

“They look sharp, really progressive going forward and they’re hungry,” Benedict said. “They wanted to put a statement out there and they did.”

Whitefish (13-0) is looking to get back to the state final after a loss last year to Laurel.

“If you try to play against us and you’re not ready for what we present, it’s really tough going,” Benedict said. “And you know, I commend (Laurel’s) coaching staff. They stayed true to their plan and you know, unfortunately they didn’t have enough, but we’ve been on the other side of that too. I’m glad that they played the right way.”

Barron also had an assist, and Anna Akey scored a goal and had one assist.

Next up for Whitefish is Billings Central in the semifinals this coming Saturday, time to be announced.

Loyola 0 0 — 0

Whitefish 8 2 — 10

WF — Adrienne Healy (Emma Barron) 2:00

WF — Barron (Olivia Genovese) 11:00

WF — Barron 21:00

WF — Barron (Anna Akey) 23:00

WF — Barron (Maddie Muhlfeld) 31:00

WF — Akey (Maeve Ingelfinger) 32:00

WF — Genovese (Ingelfinger) 40:00

WF — Ingelfinger (Maya Lacey) 44:00

WF — Sofie Saurey (Sophie Olson) 49:00

WF — Genovese (Lucy Lowry) 61:00

Shots — Loyola 4, WF 19. Goalie saves — Loyola 12, WF 3 (Norah Schmidt).

Boys

Whitefish 5, Corvallis 1

WHITEFISH — Collin Lyman found the back of the net twice for the Whitefish Bulldogs in a workmanlike 5-1 victory over Corvallis.

Leading scorer Gabe Menicke assisted on both of Lyman’s goals and also scored his own before the half.

“It’s fun to continue to watch Gabe, Chase, all these seniors continue to put a stamp on their careers,” coach John Lacey said. “All seniors played fantastic today and we got contributions from underclassmen — it’s pretty fun. We’d like to think that we can keep this thing going.”

Corvallis’ Ian Wilson scored in the 55th minute but the Blue Devils didn’t mount much of a comeback.

“They’re a good team, they come out and they play hard,” Lacey said of Corvallis.

Chase Sabin scored a goal and assisted on Menicke’s goal. Jackson Dorvall also scored, assisted by Darby McCarthy.

The Bulldogs (13-0) have won three straight state titles and are gunning for a fourth. Park is Whitefish’s semifinal opponent.

“I hope (today) was fun for everybody to watch,” Lacey said. “A fantastic showcase of soccer in the Flathead. Looking forward to hopefully getting another game here and a good match with Park.”

Corvallis 0 1 — 1

Whitefish 3 2 — 5

WF — Collin Lyman (Gabe Menicke) 15:00

WF — Menicke (Chase Sabin) 32:00

WF — Jackson Dorvall (Darby McCarthy) 40:00

WF — Sabin 44:00

WF — Lyman (Menicke) 48:00

C — Ian Wilson 55:00

Shots — Corvallis 4, WF 9. Goalie saves — Corvallis 4, WF 3 (Will Peppmeier, Ethan Schott). Corner kicks — Corvallis 1, WF 8. Fouls — Corvallis 6, WF 12. Cards — WF 2.