Strong start to spring season for Strikers U17 ladies

SANDPOINT — March means the return of spring club soccer, and the Strikers U17 ladies got off to a solid start in Tri-Cities recently, taking third in the U18 bracket at the Washington District 6 Tournament in Pasco.

During pool play the Strikers ladies dominated their bracket, scoring six goals and allowing zero, and in fact allowed almost no penetration at all through three games. With a rock solid defense anchored by centers Kendra Corless and Jennie Meulenberg, goalkeeper Makayla Sundquist’s biggest challenge became keeping warm in the 30 mph winds and 30 degree temps.

After a controversial 2-1 semifinal loss to the host club, the team rallied to take third with a 3-0 win in the consolation round.

In their first league game the following weekend, the Strikers ladies easily dispatched Three Rivers SC G93 Riot. Led by captains Whitney Reichold and Alanna Robinson, the team dominated the entire game, completely shutting down Riot’s offensive efforts and maintaining a strong possession style of play.

Sundquist kept a clean sheet in goal, while offensive goals were scored by Emma Weme, Heidi Skinner and Pilar Herrera for a 3-0 victory on Three Rivers’ home turf.

The teams travels to Spokane on Saturday to face the Spokane Breakers.