Busch, Couch to play at Spokane Community College

SANDPOINT — A pair of good friends and longtime soccer teammates will get the opportunity to keep playing together, as Sandpoint seniors Ashly Busch and Riley Couch have each signed letters of intent to play soccer next season at Spokane Community College.

Busch, who was a staple in the midfield for the past three seasons for the Bulldogs, is planning to study medicine or criminology, and said she’s excited to continue playing soccer at the next level.

“It gives me something to look forward to,” said Busch. “Being with a new team and people, but with my bud.”

Couch, who plans to study dentistry in college, brings ton of versatility to the pitch, having played defense, midfield and forward during a strong high school career. She’s looking forward to facing different competition.

“We play the same people all the time,” said Couch. “I’m excited for new competition, a new environment.”

That new environment just happens to be at the defending Northwest Athletic Conference champion Sasquatch. Busch and Couch were key players in a pair of state championships while at Sandpoint, and will bring a winning attitude to the field.

“I hope both of them will start as freshman, they’re both very capable at that level,” said Bulldog head coach Conor Baranski. “They’ll both fight for starting spots right away. They have the grit, determination and the skill to back it up.”