Ghost of seasons past haunts Girls Soccer team

Elly Webster scored twice in the first half before the Libby girls soccer team began to shut down in a 9-2 loss to the Laurel Locomotives.

Coach Joe Cik said Libby could have stayed competitive, but the team began to doubt itself and the goals piled on.

“It’s no secret we didn’t come out ready to play,” Cik said. “The girls’ heads weren’t in it, and (Laurel) got ahead.”

Becca Kyriss had 20 saves in goal, and freshman Danni Hawthorne stopped another nine, one bright spot for Libby in the loss.

Webster looked competitive as well, streaking to the pass from Breanna Opland in the fifth minute for her first goal. Holly Leggins had the assist to Webster in the 28th minute. Laurel then scored six unanswered goals.

“The defense didn’t show up to play,” Cik said. “I pulled them aside and asked them what was going on.”

Libby lost to Billings Central 6-0 the day after, but Cik was more pleased with the result.

“The attitude totally changed against B.C.,” he said. “But all credit goes to them. They were exceedingly well-coached.”

The defending state champion Rams didn’t pour it on, a testament to their class and level of coaching, Cik said. 

The quick Lady Loggers dropped to 1-3-1, which could just as easily be up to two or three wins. The thing holding Libby back is a systemic doubt and acceptance of failure.

Last year’s winless season is still stuck in the girls’ heads, Cik said, and as soon as they get down, they stop competing.

“Last year was so tough it’s hard for them to compete,” he said. “It’s the hill to get over.”

   The Lady Loggers play at Columbia Falls at 1 p.m. Saturday.