Columbia Falls, Whitefish host to semifinal games

Whitefish, MT – This weekend, the highly anticipated Class A soccer semifinal games will take place in Whitefish at Smith Fields, just as they have for the past six postseasons. Both the Whitefish boys and girls teams have secured a spot in these semifinals, competing for a chance to advance to the championship game.

The Whitefish girls, with a record of 11-2-0, have reached the final twice in the past three years. Unfortunately, they were eliminated by Billings Central last year. However, they gained redemption by defeating Billings Central 4-0 in the quarterfinals last week. On Saturday, the girls will face off against Lockwood, who defeated Stevensville in the first round. Lockwood, with a record of 8-2-3, is led by freshman Meadow Mahlmeister, the state’s top scorer with 31 goals this season. Whitefish girls coach Roland Benedict acknowledges Mahlmeister’s impact and emphasizes the importance of limiting her opportunities and controlling the pace of the game to ensure victory.

The Bulldogs possess a talented roster, with players like Olivia Genovese, Delaney Smith, Isabelle Cooke, and Sadie Olson contributing with their exceptional goal-scoring ability and assists. Coach Benedict recognizes the importance of dictating the game and attacking the opponent to maximize their chances of success and secure a win.

Columbia Falls’ opponent in the semifinals is the Bigfork Valkyries. They have previously played two close matches this season, both resulting in ties. The Wildkats, with a record of 11-1-2, defeated Hamilton 2-0 in the quarterfinals to secure their spot in the semifinals. Despite their recent success in reaching the semifinals, it has been a while since the Wildkats made it to a state final, with their last appearance occurring in 2014, where they lost to Laurel 2-0.

Coach Thomas Clark expresses confidence in his team, as they have created numerous scoring opportunities in their previous matchups against the Valkyries. Bigfork, with a record of 8-3-2, pulled off a major upset by eliminating perennial contender Laurel from the playoffs. The match between the Wildkats and the Valkyries will undoubtedly be intense and tightly contested, with both teams showcasing their defensive prowess.

Lone Peak is set to face the Whitefish boys this Saturday. After being eliminated in the semifinals last season, the Bulldogs are determined to return to the state final. Lone Peak, with a record of 9-1-3, defeated Stevensville 3-2 in the quarterfinals. Whitefish, boasting an undefeated record of 13-0-0, secured a 2-0 victory over Livingston in their quarterfinal matchup.

Coach John Lacey highlights the team’s commitment to a collective playing style, where every player is involved in scoring goals, rather than relying solely on individual brilliance. The Bulldogs possess a well-balanced attack, with players like Ryder Elliott, Kyler Jonson, Preston McPherson, and Collin Lyman contributing with their goal-scoring abilities and assists. Lone Peak, led by Cash Beattie, Beckett Johnson, and Arlo Hurlbut, is expected to provide a tough challenge for Whitefish.

If Whitefish wins their semifinal match, they will have to hit the road for the A final, as the opposing team will host the championship game this year. With this possibility in mind, Coach Lacey emphasizes the significance of this game for the seniors on the team, as it could potentially be their last game on home turf. The Bulldogs are determined to make it a memorable day for their seniors, regardless of the outcome.