Reigning champs to defend title

SANDPOINT — It’s been 36 days since the Sandpoint girls soccer team has tasted defeat, and they hope to stretch that streak out an extra few days as the 4A state girls soccer tournament gets under way in Post Falls today.

The surging Bulldogs (7-6-5) open defense of their 4A state title in their own back yard, relatively speaking, when they host the Kuna Kavemen (14-4-1) at 11 a.m., at Post Falls High School.

Sandpoint is unbeaten in its last eight games, notching five wins and three ties, and has outscored its opponents 24-12 during that span. First year head coach Julie Pitre attributes much of that success to a team learning how to make adjustments on the fly.

“They’re getting a better understanding of the positions they’re playing and our own style — possession soccer and using our speed up top,” described Pitre of the improved play of late, hoping her team has similar success at state. “They have all the tools they need to compete, they just need to want it. If they have a desire, they’re unstoppable.”

Leading the charge will be an attack led by Meghan Pagano (13 goals, seven assists), Melinda Van Dyk (six goals, eight assists), Ellie Engel (three goals, seven assists) and Nichole Pagano (eight goals).

Defensively, the Bulldogs are led by sweeper/anchor Kendall Stratton, Maddie Suppiger, Sophie Meulenberg and stopper Brooke Obaitek. McKinzi Obaitek, Courtney Windju, Sydney Morris and Whitney Reichold will patrol the midfield, while Bailey Scrimsher and Hannah Griesemer will continue to platoon at goalie.

 For the Bulldogs to win it, they’ll potentially need to beat two undefeated teams in Hillcrest (16-0-0) and Bishop Kelly (19-0-0) in a loaded 4A draw in which the Bulldogs are the only team even close to being .500.

One of the reasons their record doesn’t shine like the other 4A teams is strength of schedule, pure and simple. While many 4A teams never play up in classification, the Bulldogs not only faced the 5A IEL teams, but also played four Greater Spokane League teams, gaining valuable experience for a stretch run.

“It really helped the girls to see teams in constant movement off the ball,” said Pitre. “A lot of Idaho schools struggle with field awareness.”

While the record may have taken a bit of a hit, the Bulldogs emerged from the salty competition a stronger team. They’ll get to test their mettle today against the Kavemen, from the Boise area.

“The have a couple of key players, we’ll work to shut them down,” said Pitre of what she knows about her opponent. “They play the long ball in the air.”