Ariss leads Bulldogs to title defense
COEUR d’ALENE — As the anchor and leader of a defense that hasn’t been scored on in six consecutive state playoff games, Corinne Ariss has established herself as one of the top defenders in the state, bar none.
So it came as a bit of a surprise that the Sandpoint senior’s biggest contribution in the fifth installment of one of the most fierce and burgeoning sports rivalries in the state came on the offensive end of the field.
Ariss rose up and headed in a corner kick from Riley Couch in the 42nd minute, providing the only goal Sandpoint would need in a 1-0 blanking of Bishop Kelly on Saturday in the championship game of the 4A girls soccer tournament at sunny Coeur d’Alene High School.
Couch, who possesses great touch and accuracy on free kicks and corner kicks, floated a ball in front of the goal and Ariss took care of the rest.
“I saw it coming and I hit it, did what I needed to do,” described Ariss of the game winner. “I’ve been picturing that goal since I was a freshman.”
There is little doubt who the top team in the 4A ranks is, as the Bulldogs dispatched their three state opponents in decisive fashion, leaning on a defense that hasn’t given up a goal in the past two state tournaments.
Ariss, Madi Schoening, Heidi Skinner and Grace Johnson limited the Knights to just a couple of strong looks at goal. Skinner, a senior, was riding high after the win.
“It’s the most exciting and joyous time of my life,” said Skinner, who briefly left the game with an ankle injury but wasn’t about to be kept out. “To share it with this team, in my last year is unbelievable.”
The Bulldogs (9-8-2) won just one of their first nine games of the season, as new players in new roles found their footing. But navigating a schedule laden with 5A and Greater Spokane League opponents, they cut their teeth and began to hit a stride late in the season.
Head coach Conor Baranski described his feelings after the win as surreal, admitting he had his doubts early in the year.
“I didn’t think that this would happen, we lost a lot at the beginning of the season. People kept saying ‘be patient, this is a rebuilding year.’ I kept saying ‘no it isn’t, I refused to believe that,’” said Baranski. “Obviously, it wasn’t. It took a lot of growing pains, and we lost to some tough teams, but that’s why we take those games.”
Some of the Bulldogs’ best scoring opportunities came on hand spring throw-ins from junior Nan Kiebert, who is able to launch balls that land right in front of the goal, a rare and dangerous weapon.
The Knights (15-4), who beat the Bulldogs on penalty kicks in the 2010 final and in overtime of the 2011 final, saw their 89 game win streak end at the hands of Sandpoint in last season’s championship. Saturday’s result gives the Bulldogs three wins and the Knights two in the past five meetings.
Knights head coach Curtis Eisenberger knew going in it would be a battle royale, and save for one header, it was mostly an even match, with neither team able to create much in the way of great chances.
“We know how organized and well-coached Sandpoint is. We knew it would be tough, a real gut check,” said Eisenberger, embracing the rivalry. “Playing Sandpoint, it’s the best game of the year. We know when the two teams play in the final, they’re the two best teams in the state.”
The Knights’ best chance to equalize came in the 78th minute, when a throw in got past the Bulldogs’ defense and two Knight players raced in one-on-one with goalie Paige Dumars. Dumars, who posted seven shutouts on the season, came out and stuffed the shot directly in front of the goal, preserving both the shutout and state title.
“I saw her coming straight at me. She moved her head to the left and I went that way,” described Dumars of the save. “I’m so happy. We kept calm when we needed to. Played with our hearts and didn’t stop fighting.”
First half — None. Second half — 1, Spt, Corinne Ariss (Riley Couch), 42:00.
Shots on goal — BK 6, Spt 6.
Saves — BK, Kylee Atkins, 5; Spt, Paige Dumars, 6.