5A DISTRICT 1-2 SOCCER: Sandpoint girls pull off upset of Lewiston to capture title
The Sandpoint High girls' soccer team is all smiles after winning the 5A Inland Empire League district title on Wednesday with a 3-0 win over Lewiston. Back row, from left are assistant coach Aislynn Robertson, assistant coach Madi Schoening, Adele Michael, Vivian Haag, Willow Betz, Avery Inge, Sam Leaverton, Alyssa Porter, Rae Olson, Cecilia Dignan, Ayla Hull, Bayah Ratigan, Mackenzie Mitchell, Hope Barnes, and head coach Alan Brinkmeier. Front row, from left are Ava Glahe, Izzy Stark, Marlee McCrum, Maddie Mitchell, Lilliana Brinkmeier, Jordyn Tomco, Maggie McClure and Elia Howard.
(Courtesy Photo)
Sandpoint 3, Lewiston 0
LEWISTON — At Lewiston High, No. 3 Sandpoint, fueled by two goals from junior Hope Barnes and one from junior Ava Glahe, pulled off one of the biggest upsets in recent 5A Inland Empire League history when they defeated No. 1 Lewiston 3-0 to capture their third straight district title and punch their ticket to state on Wednesday.
"They're definitely a different team than they were two weeks ago and that shows the hard work their putting in at practice, taking care of their bodies, etc.," Sandpoint High head coach Alan Brinkmeier said.
Tied 0-0 at halftime, the Lady Bulldogs scored all three of their goals in the second en route to victory. Barnes, off an assist from junior Elia Howard, who took the original shot that deflected off the crossbar, headed in the rebound to get the scoring started for Sandpoint. Barnes then scored again off an assist from freshman Sam Leaverton roughly five minutes later. Near the end of the half, Glahe broke free, dribbled past four different defenders, and scored a coast-to-coast goal late to seal the deal.
"It was nice to get Hope out of her scoring drought," coach Brinkmeier said. "I'm hoping that the girls are starting to climb that peak, and we're peaking at the right time heading into state."
Senior Lillana Brinkmeier, who coach Brinkmeier said was busy in the win, had 14 saves in the contest as Sandpoint's defense notched their seventh shutout win on the year.
"Lewiston changed their forwards, moved their fast defenders up top — they were trying everything and just couldn't get past our back five," coach Brinkmeier said. "Of course they had shots on goal and Lil had to make some one-on-one saves, but I still rival our defense with anyone in the state."
While the regular season may not have gone exactly as planned for the Lady Bulldogs, who lost twice to both Moscow and Lewiston, they got the job done when it mattered most.
Sandpoint (9-5-2) will look to capture back-to-back state titles at the 5A state tournament, set to be held at Hillcrest High in Idaho Falls from Oct. 24 to 26.