Lady Loggers have winning week, head for homecoming

The Lady Logger Soccer team posted a 3-1 victory over the Polson Pirates at home on Thursday.

The Loggers came out strong, with Anna Valentine scoring in the first minute on a breakaway from a through ball by Kaila Forster.

The Loggers continued to pressure the Pirate defense, but the Pirates answered with a goal from a penalty kick in the 19th minute.

The Loggers responded two minutes later when Ashley VanHoose put a deflected Valentine shot into the back of the net.

The Loggers continued to pressure as the first half ended, with Lindsey Kehn and Ashley VanHoose making great runs up the sides.

The Pirates came out stronger in the second half to match the Loggers, but the defensive combination of Trista Berget, Rachael Sweedman, Mechelle Wilson, and Quinn Wilson remained strong.

Lindsey Kehn sealed the victory for the Loggers in the 76th minute with a long drive from outside of the 18 yard box.

The Loggers finished the game with 9 shots and 9 corner kicks. Goalkeeper Audra Poppen had a great game, racking up 5 saves, including a spectacular diving save.

The Loggers earned a crucial 3-2 away victory over the Columbia Falls Wildcats on Saturday.

The Wildcat offense started quickly, testing the Logger defense. But Anna Valentine scored in the 5th minute on a breakaway from a great through ball by Nickole Lapka, appearing in her first game back from injury.

The Wildcats came back to tie the game in the 19th minute.

The game continued evenly matched until the Wildcats gained the lead just before halftime.

The Loggers started the second half controlling the game, and Anna Valentine broke through the Wildcat defense to score in the 51st minute from an assist by Ashley VanHoose.

The game continued to be evenly matched, with both teams having their chances. But Anna Valentine regained the Logger lead, and sealed her own hat trick, in the 63rd minute with an impressive goal.

The Loggers continued to pressure right up until the final whistle, with Rachael Sweedman coming close on a free kick. Goalkeeper Audra Poppen had 5 great saves.

The Loggers move to 4-1-1 in conference play. The team played an away match up against the Whitefish Bulldogs on Tuesday, and will play a Homecoming and Senior Day game against the Bigfork Valkaries on Saturday.

~ By Kelly Zwang