Walkington powers Bulldogs in blanking of Trojans

SANDPOINT — Eastern Washington University bound Riley Walkington scored early and often, tallying four goals and assisting on the other, as Sandpoint dispatched 5A Post Falls 5-0 in nonleague girls soccer Tuesday at Pine St. Field.

Walkington scored at the five minute mark, then assisted on a Jordie Breeden goal a minute later for an early 2-0 lead. She would add three more goals, two assisted by defender Jezza Hutto, and created a lot of havoc in the attack.

“The impressive thing is not only is she extremely talented, she’s extremely driven,” described Bulldog head coach Conor Baranski, noting Walkington now has six goals in two games. “She’ll work so hard to have success on the attack.”

Sandpoint (2-0) controlled possession for much of the game, and is continuing to work on timing up runs, which resulted in a ton of quality looks.

Even though she allowed some goals, Trojans (1-2) goalie Emily Ray was a bright spot in defeat, stopping 16 shots, including several diving saves and point blank stuffs as she was peppered in goal.

Sandpoint plays at Lake City on Friday, at noon in a game that was rescheduled due to smoke.

First half — 1, Spt, Riley Walkington (Kayla Inman), 5:00. 2, Spt, Jordie Breeden (Walkington), 6:00. 3, Spt, Walkington (unassisted), 32:00. 4, Walkinton (Jezza Hutto), 39:00. Second half — 5, Spt, Walkington (Hutto), 79:00.

Shots on goal — Spt 33, PF 2.

Saves — Spt, Hattie Larson, 2; PF, Emily Ray, 16.

n Moore goal leads Bulldog boys to first win

POST FALLS — Sophomore Zander Moore scored the game’s only goal in the 60th minute off an assist from Cole Baillie, leading the Bulldogs to a hard-earned 1-0 win over the Trojans on Tuesday in nonleague boys soccer action at Post Falls High School.

Moore received a pass just past the center line. A Post Falls defender fell down, and Moore wound up with a 1v1 vs. Trojan keeper Josh Nilson, and beat him with a shot to the far post from just inside the 18-yard line.

It was all the Bulldogs (1-2) and their gritty defense would need, as Julian Reichold picked up the shutout behind strong back line play from Teagan Edmundson, Dillon Baillie, Curtis Hauck and newcomer Tyler Moore.

Post Falls (0-3) outshot Sandpoint 9-6.

“Obviously we had a lot of chances on goal,” Post Falls coach Gabe Lawson said. “But Julian is a real good keeper; and we didn’t challenge him like we could have. We had a lot of shots, but most of them were soft.”

Moore moved back from his forward position in the attack, and his play in the back third caught the eye of head coach Evan McNeley.

“He did phenomenal, played with a lot of heart,” praised McNeley, who is still moving parts to find what works. “It was one of the best games I’ve seen him play.”

Despite the low score, the Bulldogs showed some teeth on offense, hitting the post once and missing a PK, the latter of which fired them up.

“The boys responded, and played better in the second half. We created a lot opportunities,” said McNeley, whose team was hungry for a win. “I’m proud of the way the boys came together as a team, they came fired up and ready to play.”

Sandpoint hosts Stillwater Christian on Thursday night, at 6 p.m. at War Memorial Field.

First half — none. Second half — 1, Spt, Zander Moore (Cole Baillie), 60:00.

Shots on goal — Spt 6, PF 9.

Saves — Spt, Julian Reichold 5; PF, Josh Nilson 3.

n Bulldogs go 3-3 at Fong volleyball tourney (late)

LEWISTON — The Bulldog volleyball team posted wins over Timberlake, Orofino and Troy last Saturday at the Judy Fong Memorial Volleyball Tournament in Lewiston.

The Bulldogs (3-4) also lost to Troy in pool play, then fell in straight sets to eventual winner and host Lewiston, before ending the tourney with a tough 26-24 loss to league rival Lakeland to end the tourney.

The team is still finding its identity early in the season, as new head coach Jeff Hurst installs his 5-1 offense and finds out what he has on the court.

“Overall I got to see the kids do a lot of things and I am still developing my personnel strategies based on skill sets and experience,” said Hurst. “All of which are continuing to grow and become stronger.”

No stats were reported.

Sandpoint is at Bonners Ferry tonight in nonleague action.