Bulldogs edge University

SANDPOINT — Sandpoint's Tori Smith capitalized on a deflected penalty kick to lift the Bulldogs 2-1 over University High School on Monday.

Smith, a junior midfielder, made hay with the penalty kick after University's goal keeper repelled the shot. The ball skittered about 15 feet in front of the net, allowing Smith to boot it over University goalie.

Sandpoint Coach Adam Tajan said Smith finessed the shot by chipping it over the goalie's outstretched arms. Smith's goal came with about 5 minutes left to play in the second half.

University tallied the first goal off a bobbled penalty kick at the 11-minute mark in the first half. But Sandpoint answered 4 minutes later when Angie Menghini flicked a crossing pass to Kiley France, who buried it in the back of the net.

Sandpoint goalie Tori Allmaras collected one save in the first half, and Sara Krabacher made seven saves for the Bulldogs in the second half.

Tajan said Sandpoint's defensive line played strongly and felt the Bulldogs outpaced University's stamina in the second half. The Bulldogs' scoring opportunities were also more solid than University's, Tajan said.

Sandpoint, which is undefeated in Inland Empire League play, plays at Coeur d'Alene High School on Tuesday.

"That's going to be a serious battle," said Tajan, noting that one of Sandpoint's two tie games this season was with CHS.

The Bulldogs (8-0-2) travel to Lewiston on Thursday to wrap its IEL season.