Kiebert leads Bulldogs into state championship

COEUR d’ALENE — Time for round five. Ding, ding.

Sandpoint junior Nan Kiebert played 80 minutes of high octane soccer, netting two goals to go with an assist and setting the tempo for the Bulldogs, who downed Middleton 3-0 in the semis of the 4A girls state soccer championship on Friday at Lake City High School.

The win marked the fifth consecutive shutout at state for the reigning champion Bulldogs (8-8-2), who will face rival Bishop Kelly today in the championship. The two teams have waged four epic battles in the past five years, and today will mark the fifth installment of what has blossomed into arguably the top soccer rivalry in the state.

Kiebert took a pass from Ashly Busch and dribbled into the box, stinging a shot inside the far post for a 1-0 lead just over two minutes into the game. Kiebert would add her third goal of the tournament in the 57th minute, creating constant havoc for Middleton (13-7) in the offensive third. After going scoreless for much of the season, the speedy target forward has played her best soccer down the stretch on the biggest stage.

“At the beginning of the year, I wasn’t very composed, and put a lot of pressure on myself,” said Kiebert, whose five goals on the season have all come in the past four games. “I’m more composed in front of the goal, more confident.”

Junior defender Madi Schoening, a physical defensive presence who excels in the air, rose high for a handspring throw-in from Kiebert and headed in the Bulldogs’ second goal in the 23rd minute. The insurance goal was all the Bulldogs would  need, as their defensive excellence continued.

Schoening, Corinne Ariss, Grace Johnson and Heidi Skinner posted another shutout on defense. Ariss also helped anchor a unit that didn’t give up a goal en route to the title last season, and doesn’t see why it can’t happen again this year.

“Continue the tradition. We had all shutouts last year, and that’s what we need to do again,” said Ariss, one of the top defenders in the state. “I think we can do it, absolutely. There’s no doubt in my mind.”

Paige Dumars picked up her fifth shutout of the season between the pipes, as Middleton hit the crossbar on a head attempt early in the first half, one of the few quality looks they generated.

Bulldogs head coach Conor Baranski was once again pleased with his team’s play, which has grown steadily stronger during a four-game win streak that helped even their record.

“They impressed me. I’m pleasantly surprised that they were able to step it up another notch,” said Baranski, who knows the strength of his team. “Truly their competitiveness, that will to win that permeates through our team.”

The only thing standing in the way of a title defense is Bishop Kelly (15-3), who no doubt hasn’t forgotten last year, when their 89 game win streak was snapped by Sandpoint in the championship. The rivalry started when Sandpoint won in 2009, Bishop Kelly in 2010 and 2011, and reached a high-water mark last year.

The Knights, who beat Preston 2-0 in the other semi, might not be quite the juggernaut they were last year, but both teams lost a lot of talent to graduation. In a testament to the strength of the programs, they’ve both clawed their way back to the championship game.

With his team clearly riding a wave of confidence, Baranski believes they’ve got a great chance at another banner today.

“I’m so pleased that they have raised themselves, peaked at the right time,” he said. “They should have every reason in the world to win another state title.”

Sandpoint and Bishop Kelly kick off the state championship today, at 2 p.m. at Coeur d’Alene High School.

First half — 1, Spt, Nan Kiebert (Ashly Busch), 2:00. 2, Spt, Madi Schoening (Nan Kiebert), 23:00. Second half — 3, Spt, Nan Kiebert (Corinne Ariss), 57:00.

Shots on goal — Spt 12, Mid 7.

Saves — Spt, Paige Dumars, 5; Mid, 6.