5A GIRLS STATE SOCCER: Sandpoint takes home second-place trophy after coming up just short in title match

Pocatello 1, Sandpoint 0

IDAHO FALLS — It wasn't the way the No. 4 Lady Bulldogs wanted to end their season, but it was still a season to remember.

Second place on the biggest stage Idaho high school sports has to offer is no joke, especially after a Sandpoint season filled with adversity.

"It's not the ending we wanted, but given the start of the season and the incredible comeback to win districts, taking out the No. 1 seed, and holding Pocatello to only one goal is some success we can build on as a program," Sandpoint High head coach Alan Brinkmeier said.

Sandpoint was playing for their 10th all-time state title and for back-to-back state titles — which was last accomplished during the 2013 and 2014 seasons under head coach Conor Baranski.

Pocatello, which had 10 shots on goal compared to Sandpoint's three, captured their first girls state title in school history with the victory.

The Lady Thunder's goal was scored during the 31st minute when senior Lexi Wells was able to create a one-on-one chance after receiving a through ball from fellow senior Hailee Pool.

Sandpoint did have a goal in the first half that was called back. Coach Brinkmeier and his staff were, and still are, puzzled as to the reason why.

"After that, we couldn't generate any great chances," coach Brinkmeier said. "The 50-50 balls killed us this game. I am not sure we won any balls cleared or distributed by Lil."

Senior Lilliana Brinkmeier was busy in between the posts for the Lady Bulldogs, which didn't record a shot on goal in the second half. In the last game of her high school career, she posted an impressive nine saves.

"Lil kept us in every game and today was no different," coach Brinkmeier said. "The only goals we gave up this tournament were two one-on-one's that hit off the inside post, and I'm not sure anyone could have saved those."

Sandpoint officially ended their season with an 11-6-2 record, and with just four graduating seniors (Marlee McCrum, Lilliana Brinkmeier, Ayla Hull, Maddie Mitchell), they'll surely be looking to make another similar run next year.

Brinkmeier said he was proud of his seniors: Mitchell fought through a hip injury all season but battled every game, McCrum was the hero the team needed in a few games, and Hull was always positive and willing to go out and give it her all, no matter what position the coaching staff put her at.

"The program, staff and players will truly miss this senior class," coach Brinkmeier said. "I could not be more proud of this team and the senior leaders we had."

1st half — 1, POC, Lexi Wells (Hailee Pool), 31'. 2nd half — None.

Shots on goal: SPT — 3. POC — 10.

Saves: SPT — Lilliana Brinkmeier 9. POC — Kira Jorgensem 3.

    Sandpoint High junior Ava Glahe looks to pass while being pressured by Pocatello's Brynlee Pool.