Walkington boots Bulldogs to district championship

Sandpoint will seek third title in four years at state

SANDPOINT — Big players rise to the occasion in big games, and sophomore target forward Riley Walkington did just that, scoring both goals to lead Sandpoint to a 2-1 win over Lakeland in the 4A Region 1 girls soccer championship on Thursday amid a downpour at Centennial Field.

“To score our only two goals in such a big game is an incredibly bold thing to do,” praised Bulldogs head coach Conor Baranki of his go-to player, who now has 10 goals on the season. “She was tireless, and clearly determined to get to double digit goals for the season so far.”

The stakes were high from the opening whistle, as one team’s season would end and the other would head on to state. The No. 1 seed Bulldogs (6-5-5) had to dig deep to beat the No. 2 seed Hawks (9-8-1), playing amid trying conditions with a slick ball and a soaked field.

Baranski tipped his hat to the Hawks, who kept the game tied at 1-1 midway through the second half before falling short and ending their season.

“Lakeland is a tough opponent. They’re tough to beat. They have some strengths, and they play to those strengths,” described Baranski of the Hawks. “Our girls were gutsy today. It was pouring rain, it was cold, they did what they needed to do.”

Walkington staked the Bulldogs to a lead in the 30th minute, finishing off an assist from Casey Shaha for a 1-0 lead. Lakeland would equalize six minutes later, when Harley Hendry rocketed a free kick in to tie the game at 1-1 heading into half.

With the score still tied midway through the second half, Jezza Hutto made a pretty pass to Walkington, who slotted the game-winner in the 60th minute.

“The second goal was a thing of beauty, it was what we have worked on a lot,” praised Baranski, lauding the play of Hutto, Taylor Ward, Mya Darling and Yeo Yarnell in the back four. “Our defense was outstanding. The goal we gave up was a free kick, other than that they were rock solid. Lakeland has two dangerous attackers and they shut them down well.”

Despite their record, the Bulldogs are always a dangerous team at state, where they have won two of the last three 4A state titles.

Possession and linking passes are the strengths of the Bulldogs, who dominated shots on goal to the tune of 18-2, but finishing more will be key to advancing at state. Baranski called it a solid team win, taking care of business to earn a trip to state.

“I’m very proud of them because it was not an easy win,” he said. “We’re looking to get back to state and do a little better than last year and get back to our championship ways.”

The 4A girls soccer tournament kicks off in Idaho Falls on Thursday against the runner up team from District 5-6, in southeastern Idaho.

First half — 1, Spt, Riley Walkington (Casey Shaha), 30:00. 2, LL, Harley Hendry (free kick), 35:00. Second half — 3, Spt, Walkington (Jezza Hutto), 60:00.

Shots on goal — Spt 18, LL 2.

Saves — Spt, Shea Kilpatrick, 1; LL, Morgan Bixenstein, 9.