CdA defeats Bulldogs

COEUR d'ALENE — The 5A Inland Empire League standings became a little cluttered with Lake City's victory over frontrunner Coeur d'Alene tuesday night.

Sandpoint came into town with a chance make a move up the 5A ladder and Bailey Hewitt's goal goal in the eitghth minute gave the Bulldogs (7-5-1, 5-2 IEL) the early advantage.

But Coeur d'Alene (8-3-2, 6-1 IEL) answered with two second-half goals to win Thursday's IEL match 2-1.

Kaylee Nowoj tied the match in the 46th minute and Meghan Roletto scored the game winner on a lofted shot from 25 yards out over the outstretched hands of Bulldog goalkeeper Kelsey Windju in the 67th minute.

"For one reason or another, our energy level was lacking in the second half," Sandpoint coach Adam Tajan said. "But the bottom line is that they finished their chances and we didn't."

Hewitt's goal was the first goal Sandpoint scored against Coeur d'Alene this season. They just weren't able to follow it up, the Bulldog junior striker said.

"I think their first goal made us realize we need to step up," Hewitt said. "We definitely let down after their second goal.

"We had several chances today, I know I did and didn't finish. It feels good to score, but I'm not happy because we didn't win."

The Vikings snapped a two-game losing streak and were coming off an emotional first-league loss to Lake City earlier in the week. Coach Tarragh Carr said it was back to business for the defending 5A state champions.

Coeur d'Alene goalkeeper Amanda Wemple finished with five saves, Windju stopped 11 shots. The Vikings outshot the Bulldogs 8 to 5.

? Late games will run tomorrow

The Sandpoint boys soccer showdown with IEL leading Coeur d'Alene, as well as the Sandpoint volleyball teams 4A IEL match with Lakeland were both in progress at press time. See Saturday's Bee for the stories and results, as well as Clark Fork's volleyball game against Kootenai.

? Black Friday for area football teams

Bonner County high school football teams and fans will get a bye Friday night, as both Sandpoint's game against McLoughlin High School in Milton Freewater, Ore., and Clark Fork's game against Inchelium High School in Washington have both been canceled.

No makeup dates have been scheduled for either team. Sandpoint returns to action next Thursday when they hit the road to take on North Central of Spokane. Clark Fork will host Mullan next Friday, beginning its North Star League season.