Walkington hat trick leads Bulldogs past Trojans

SANDPOINT — Riley Walkington netted a hat trick of goals, leading a solid showing from Sandpoint in a 3-1 win over Post Falls on Tuesday in nonleague girls soccer at Pine St. Field.

The Eastern Washington-bound Walkington now has a team-high 11 goals on the year, passing Casey Shaha’s nine while providing the Bulldogs (8-2-1) with all of the offense they would need. Her first goal was a laser from 25 yards out that ticked the bottom of the cross bar just five minutes in to the game.

“We knew Post Falls’ tactics, and asked the players to be patient, and take shots from distance,” said Bulldog head coach Conor Baranski. “It was a really impressive performance by Riley, and a good team performance all around. The patience, the composure, all players making good decisions.”

Walkington’s second goal came ff a nice pass from speedy freshman Jordie Breeden, slotting another high ball past the Trojan keeper, before her penalty kick shortly after gave the Bulldogs a 3-0 lead in the 55th minute.

Hattie Larson, filling in once again for Shea Kilpatrick in goal, guessed right and stopped a penalty kick to keep the shutout alive in the second half.

Rickie Colosimo got the Trojans (3-7-3) on the board in the 80th minute, running up the middle off a pass from Maddy Lasher and beating Larson to get her team on the board late. The Bulldogs dominated the first half and early part of the second half, before the Trojans showed some life late.

“We came out flat. The last 20 (minutes) was what we want to see,” said Trojans head coach Steve Mills. “I was happy how we finished up, it’s what we want to see heading into regionals.”

Sandpoint hosts Moscow on Thursday in a league showdown.

First half — 1, Spt, Riley Walkington (Yeo Yarnell), 5:00. Second half — 2, Spt, Walkington (Jordie Breeden), 47:00. 3, Spt, Walkington (penalty kick), 55:00. 4, PF, Rickie Colosimo (Maddy Lasher), 80:00.

Shots on goal — Spt 20, PF 5.

Saves — Spt, Hattie Larson, 4; PF, Maddie Grangaard, 13.