Lady Loggers Soccer split first home games

The Lady Logger Soccer team opened their first home game of the season with a 7-2 defeat against the Belgrade Panthers, one of the best teams in the state. The Loggers felt the loss of three starters, Anna Valentine, Brittany Martin, and Christina Shilling, due to injury. The teams were evenly matched in the beginning; both fighting for control of the ball in the middle, with Quinn Wilson and Rachael Sweedman chasing down several breakaways to prevent shots.

The Panthers were the first to post a goal in the 12th minute by Alisha Novotny. They struck again in the 23rd minute by Lauren Hager off of a penalty kick. Jamie Greany scored for the Panthers in the 29th minute, and then again in the 31st minute. But the Logger's Kaila Forster struck back in the 34th minute with a spectacular shot from the edge of the penalty box. Five minutes later, Belgrade's Cristin Pierce scored off of an assist by Angie Schmit. However, Logger Jaime Gilden answered with a stunning goal a minute later, to end the half.

The Panthers opened the second half with a goal by Alisha Novotny in the 41st minute. An unfortunate own goal sealed the Logger's defeat 11 minutes later. The Loggers ended the game with a total of five shots and earning two corner kicks. Goalkeepers Audra Poppen and Davie Larson both had three saves and stopped numerous crosses.

The Loggers, showing the resilient nature of their mascot, bounced back on Saturday to beat the Livingston Rangers 1-0. The strong defensive combination of Trista Berget, Rachael Sweedman, Quinn Wilson, and Mechelle Wilson held the Rangers at bay, allowing no shots in the first half. Lindsey Kehn, Ashley VanHoose, Larona Luscher, and Chelsea Ahart made several runs up the sides. The half ended scoreless, with the Loggers earning three corner kicks and three shots to the Ranger's one corner kick and zero shots. Both teams came out stronger in the second half.

Logger Paige Ward scored an eye-catching goal, but it was called back due to offsides. Nevertheless the Loggers sealed their victory a few minutes later when Nickole Lapka scored in the 49th minute on a breakaway. The Rangers continued to pressure, racking up four shots, but Logger goalkeeper Audra Poppen made four great saves to keep a clean sheet. The Loggers racked up four more shots and another corner kick to end the game. The Loggers kicked off September on a high note and look forward to their upcoming away game in Bonners Ferry on Friday, and the first conference game of the season against Columbia Falls at home on Saturday.

~ By Kelly Zwang