Girls team rebounds for 3-0 victory

MERIDIAN — When your benchmark is state championships, playing in the consolation bracket can be mentally deflating. Sandpoint was able to overcome the sting of an opening round loss to bounce back and blank Emmett 3-0 in consolation play at the Boise Capital Soccer Complex Friday afternoon.

Freshman Brittany Oakley had a goal and an assist in helping the Bulldogs advance to face Mountain Home (15-3-4) in the consolation final Saturday at 11:15 a.m.

"We were emotionally and physically drained," said coach Ed Bock. "I was a little concerned we wouldn't come back after leaving our hearts on the field against Century. We had a slow warm-up, but everyone kept building each other up."

The Bulldogs (13-6-3) were dominant, out-shooting Emmett (12-9-3) a whopping 21 -2, and Bock was able to get a lot of young players valuable tournament experience. Every Sandpoint player logged at least a half of playing time.

Sadey Vogel tapped in the first goal off of a beautiful cross from Oakley, "the kind of play you work on all year," said Bock. Oakley then scored on a nice through ball from Tiffany Windju for the second goal. Ali Betts capped off the scoring by pushing the ball from midfield and hitting a composed shot, "Bettie perfection," said Bock.

Bock also singled out the play of Stephanie Bell who had one of her best games of the season, and believes his team will fight to the finish, consolation or not.

"We'll have fun and let some of the younger players get some state experience," said Bock. "It's the last game for the seniors, hopefully we'll end the season on a high note."

First half — 1, Spt, Sadey Vogel (Brittany Oakley) 22:00. 2, Spt, Oakley (Tiffany Windju) 28:00.

Second half — 3, Spt, Ali Betts (Kaela Wohlschlager) 65:00.

Shots on goal — Spt 21, Emm 2.

Saves — Spt, Sarah Krabacher 1, Emm, Danielle Montgomery 16.