Bulldogs win dramatic game in PK shootout

POST FALLS — For an indicator of how emotionally draining Sandpoint’s shootout win over Wood River was in the semis of the 4A state tournament Friday afternoon at Post Falls High School, consider this: It took Bulldogs head coach Julie Pitre more than 20 seconds before she could finally find any words to answer a question after the game.

A penalty kick shootout ultimately decided what 80 minutes of scoreless regulation and another 20 minutes of scoreless overtime could not, as the Bulldogs (9-6-5) continued their dramatic late season run by making three of five penalty kicks to advance.

A happy Pitre was nearly at a loss for words after the dramatic, hard-fought victory, the second such win in as many days for the Bulldogs, who ran their unbeaten streak to 10 games in defense of their 4A state title.

“I’m proud of them. Yet again, they never stop playing,” said Pitre in a familiar refrain. “We’re still struggling in the first half, but at the same time, I’ve got to hand it to them, they play to the end.”

Senior captain McKinzi Obaitek admitted that there was more than just soccer on  her teammates’ minds, as one of the team’s most staunch supporters and a fixture on the end of their bench, David Jenkins, passed away earlier in the week.

“We wanted to win it for Jenkins, that was our main thing today,” said Obaitek, holding back emotions. “He was at all of our games and he was really inspirational. We all want it so much and have so much passion and desire to take home another title.”

Sandpoint controlled possession for much of the game, with Meghan Pagano, Ellie Engel and Melinda Van Dyk coming up with several great chances, only to be denied by the stellar goal keeping of Madison Gove, who kept Wood River (14-3-1) in the game by coming out aggressively and stuffing numerous breakaways to keep the game scoreless.

In the penalty kick round, Nichole Pagano got things started by drilling her shot, followed by a wide attempt by Wood River. Whitney Reichold then drilled her attempt, followed by another wide miss by Wood River to give Sandpoint an early edge.

Emma Weme had her next attempt blocked by Gove, followed by a make by Wood River. McKinzi Obaitek then missed wide on her team’s fourth attempt, and after a Wood River make it was tied 2-2 going into the final penalty kick.

Senior Jacque Cantrell, who returned from injury to give the Bulldogs a big boost defensively, slotted her shot, leaving it up to Sandpoint keeper Hannah Griesemer, who was a brick wall in goal all day. The final penalty kick came right at her, which touched off a wild celebration as the Bulldogs swarmed their keeper.

“Hannah came up solid today and was aggressive,” said Pitre of her sophomore keeper, who earned her first shutout of the season. “She was able to stay composed in a match where she had a lot of pressure.”

Sandpoint’s back four of Kendal Stratton, Maddie Suppiger, Brooke Obaitek and Cantrell was stingy, holding Wood River to just a handful of counterattacks for most of the game.

The Bulldogs now turn their attention to unblemished Bishop Kelley (20-0-0), which beat Skyview 2-1 in the other semifinal.

“What we’re doing is working,” described Pitre. “The girls are riding the wave of this winning streak.”

Sandpoint plays Bishop Kelly for the 4A state title at 2 p.m. today at Lake City High School.

First half — None. Second half — None. Overtime — None. Sandpoint wins 1-0 in shootout.

Shots on goal — Spt 25, WR 17.

Saves — Spt, Hannah Griesemer 15; WR, Maddie Gove 21.

Shootout goals Sandpoint: Nichole Pagano, Whitney Reichold, Jacque Cantrell.

Shootout goals Wood River: Sloan Storey, Kaitana Martinez.