Bulldogs down Trojans on Sr. Night

SANDPOINT — Befitting senior night, Sterling Healy and Caroline Suppiger scored first half goals in their final game under the lights of War Memorial Field, leading Sandpoint past Post Falls 3-2 in nonleague girls soccer on Tuesday night. 

“Senior night is special and difficult as a coach,” conceded head coach Conor Baranski. “Your whole routine is off.”

The Bulldogs (5-5-3) even their record by bringing a great work rate to the pitch. Riley Walkington added an insurance goal in the second half, and along with Violet Plummer and Casey Shaha, also added assists as the Bulldogs doubled up the Trojans shot attempts.

“We had really positive, effective energy tonight. Everybody is going for the same goal,” said Baranski, waxing nostalgic about a senior class that had been a part of consecutive state titles. “We don’t have issues, they all like and respect each other. They’re all nice, quality human beings.”

Senior Sadie Schmeling drew a crowd defensively, but still managed to break through for a pair of second half goals for the Trojans, and Maddie Graangard had several great stops in the second half to keep the game close.

“It was a slow start, but the intensity grew and the girls responded well,” said Trojans coach Sarah Stevens. “Both teams had opportunities, but they had one more chance than we did, and that’s the way soccer is.”

Riley Couch, Paige Crane, Ali Fredericks, Ashly Busch, Sterling Healy, Madi Schoening, Violet Plummer, Caroline Suppiger and Laurali Barnes were honored before the match.

Sandpoint hosts Moscow in a 4A IEL match on Saturday, with the start time moved up to 11 a.m. at War Memorial Field.

First half — 1, Spt, Sterling Healy (Riley Walkington), 14:00. 2, Spt, Caroline Suppiger (Violet Plummer), 20:00. Second half — 3, PF, Sadie Schmeling (Olivia Miller), 47:00. 4, Spt, Walkington (Casey Shaha), 66:00. 5, PF, Schmeling (Ellison), 75:00.

Shots on goal — PF 8, Spt 16.

Saves — PF, Carly Schacher, 4 and Maddie Graangard 4; Spt, Paige DuMars, 4.