Strong second half leads girls past Priest River
Emily Sanchez and Ruth Zelaya battle a Priest River player for possession of the ball.
Bonner Ferry’s Prairie Plaster maneuvers around a Spartan defender in Saturday’s match.
Holly Ansley dribbles the ball upfield during the Badgers’ 3-1 home win over Priest River on Saturday.
Photo by Mandi Bateman Lily Blackmore
Photo by Mandi Bateman Lady Badgers fought hard to take the win.
Photo by Mandi Bateman Sydney Watt
Photo by Mandi Bateman Prairie Plaster
BONNERS FERRY — The Bonners Ferry girls soccer team opened the 2017 season at home with a 3-1 IML victory over Priest River Saturday evening, Aug. 19, at Lindberg Field.
The Spartans scored early at the three-minute mark when sophomore forward Karah Fink scored from 15 yards out to put Priest River up 1-0.
The Badgers countered in the 22nd minute when freshman forward Makayla Mierke scored from close range with an assist from senior forward Jorryn Bennett, tying the game at 1-1.
Halftime found the score still tied, then in the 51st minute senior co-captain Kassy Skeen made a fantastic midfield run then converted from the left side of the penalty box just inside the far post to put Bonners Ferry up 2-1. The Badgers kept possession for most of the remainder of the game, and just two minutes before the final whistle Bennett scored from near the goal line off an assist from Mierke to make the final 3-1 in favor of the hometown Badgers.
Junior goalkeeper Emily Blackmore recorded four saves after allowing the early initial goal, while the Badgers outshot the Spartans 9-5.
Bonners Ferry hosts Stillwater Christian this Saturday Aug. 26, with the girls kicking off at 10 a.m. and the boys to follow at noon.