Van Dyk, Griesemer help Sandpoint blank Lake City

COEUR d’ALENE — Senior Melinda Van Dyk and sophomore Meghan Pagano each scored their sixth goals of the season, leading Sandpoint to a 2-0 blanking of 5A Lake City in nonleague girls soccer Saturday at Lake City High School.

The win capped a solid week for the Bulldogs (4-6-4), who also beat the Vikings to cap a sweep of the two Coeur d’Alene schools after losing to both earlier in the season.

Head coach Julie Pitre chalked up the improved play to having a solid defensive force in Kendall Stratton and a dangerous attacker in Meghan Pagano up top.

“A good anchor and a good target player,” described Pitre, also lauding the improved midfield play. “In the second half of the season we’re starting to play together more; keeping formation, covering passes and playing more composed.”

Sophomore Hannah Griesemer picked up the Bulldogs’ first shutout of the season in goal, as she continues to emerge in the absence of injured starter Bailey Scrimsher. Griesemer registered a whopping 13 saves to preserve the shutout.

“We’ve learned to play the entire 80 minutes,” said Pitre. “We’ve got a higher fitness level and the girls have a strong passion at this point.”

Sandpoint is at Moscow today in the first of two important games against 4A North schools.

First half — 1, Spt, Meghan Pagano (Ellie Engel), 6:35. Second half — 2, Spt, Melinda Van Dyk (Nichole Pagano), 71:30.

Shots on goal — Spt 15, LC 18.

Saves — Spt, Hannah Griesemer 13; Lake City 10.