The women’s football team reached the semi-finals by defeating Hamilton

The Lady Bulldogs earned a 1-0 victory in the first round of the Class A soccer playoffs against Hamilton on Saturday.

The Lady Bulldogs advanced with the only goal of the match on a penalty kick in the second half.

“Today’s turf match was tight and windy, but we gained momentum thanks to strong pressure from Sadie Olson and Delaney Smith,” said head coach Kelly Ordway. “We had the wind in the second half and we were confident and focused.”

With 8 minutes remaining in the game, striker Smith was fouled in the penalty area, resulting in a penalty. Although Smith is the team’s primary penalty taker, she needed to leave the field to be checked for an injury, so Charlize Ullrich stepped up and saved the shot.

Whitefish defenseman Macy Schmidt was replaced with a sprained ankle.

Ordway had a lot of praise to give to the Lady Bulldog team.

“Anna Guzman, Truth Baxter and Madi Gordon distributed the ball well in midfield, and sophomore Anna Booysen used her speed on the wing,” Ordway said. “Sage Ordway was highlighted as a key defensive player in the shutout, along with defenders Charlize Ulrich, Grace Slimane, Charlotte Perkins, Georgia Morrell and goalkeeper Jackie Sole.”

Whitefish’s coach also noted that Hamilton has a strong attack and a reliable goalkeeper.

“We are excited to continue our preparations for the semi-finals next Saturday,” she added.

Whitefish will hit the road again to face Laurel on Saturday, October 26th. Laurel won the game against Bigfork 3-0. The Columbia Falls Wildkats will play Billings Central in Billings on Saturday.

Whitefish vs Hamilton

Fouls: Whitefish 11, Hamilton 4. Corners: Whitefish 1, Hamilton 4. Goalie Saves: Whitefish Jackie Solem 6, Hamilton Mia Faulk 5. Shots on Goal: Whitefish 5, Hamilton 6.