PREP GIRLS LACROSSE: Sandpoint’s comeback bid falls short in loss to Spokane Stealth

SANDPOINT — Down 4-0 early on, the Bulldogs rallied to within one goal, but the Spokane Stealth ultimately pulled away for a 13-7 victory at War Memorial Field on Wednesday.

"They came out gunning and we weren't quite there," head coach Nancy Dooley said. "The first three minutes were the worst out of the whole game, but then we adjusted to them."

With 2:30 remaining in the first, Sandpoint’s Tess Sloan picked up a loose ball in front of the Stealth’s net and scored to finally get the Bulldogs on the board. Cassidy Aitken then scored twice early in the second to make it a 4-3 game. Sandpoint's defense, after giving up four goals within the first six minutes, only allowed two over the next 18.

"I'm proud of our defense for adjusting and covering their cutters," Dooley said. "They scored most of their goals one-on-one and we need to improve on our sliding and double-teaming going forward."

In the second half, Rowan Davis scored two goals, Reina Montecchi and Sloan one apiece for Sandpoint, but Spokane rallied to outscore Sandpoint 5-2 in the fourth to come away with the win.

"I was proud of how we didn't give up," Dooley said. "We continued to take it to the goal. Our attack was spread out well and made good cuts, we just didn't have as many shots on goal as we would have liked. We did come out in the second half and take more shots, and I was happy with that."

Overall, Davis led the Bulldogs with five groundballs while Kayla Beers added four. Eva Sloan had eight saves in net for Sandpoint.

"Eva did a great job of staying in the game and directing the defense," Dooley said. "It's the hardest position out there (goalie). She really locked down and didn't give up the fight."

Sandpoint (3-1) will host Gonzaga Prep on Wednesday.

Spokane 4 2 2 5 – 13

Sandpoint 1 2 2 2 – 7

GOALS: SPT – T. Sloan 2, Davis 2, Aitken 2, Montecchi 1. SPO – A. French 3, L. Walker 2, Gerry 2, Wheatfall 2, Roggenbauer 2, Schmalz 1, McIntyre 1.

ASSISTS: SPT – Aitken 1. SPO – Stapleton 3, Walker 1.

GROUNDBALLS: SPT – Davis 5, Beers 4, E. Sloan 2, C. Dignan 2, Aitken 2, Bode 2, Baker 1, Montecchi 1, T. Sloan 1. SPO – C. French 3, Wheatfall 2, C. Walker 2, Schmalz 2, Gerry 2, Roggenbauer 1, French 1, Palmer 1, Stapleton 1, Snell 1, Fournier 1, Eliuk 1.

SAVES: SPT – E. Sloan 8. SPO – Fournier 5.