Girls soccer face toughest match of the season, learns from loss
(Photo by Victor Corral Martinez) Pictured: Morgan Burt playing in the CDA Charter matchup.
BONNERS FERRY — The Badgers girls soccer team started the season with their toughest test of the season against Coeur d’Alene Charter but took the matchup as a learning opportunity which allowed them to win against St. Maries.
The powerhouse Panthers visited Bonners Ferry on Aug. 24, and the hosts lost 9-0. However, the loss did show much promise for a young developing team.
According to head coach Emily Winebark, Charter is their most challenging game, and the visiting team is a powerhouse soccer program with five consecutive 3A state titles.
“Our goal with them [CDA Charter] is always just to make it as difficult on them as we can, play tough defense, and give it 100 percent,” Winebark said.
Winebark is hopeful of the Badgers’ performance and thinks they did well but were ultimately outmatched.
Lindsay Onstott had a stellar defensive performance with 19 saves, with many being difficult shots to block.
The Badgers took a lot from the defeat against Coeur d’Alene Charter and applied that experience to win against St. Maries 4-0.
Mia Blackmore and Morgan Burt scored two goals each to win the game for the Badgers, with three of them in the first half, and a final nail in the coffin goal was made in the second half.
The following day Badgers played against Stillwater Christian in a home nonconference matchup which saw Stillwater win 3-0.
Three games in one week were exhausting for a team starting the season, but the team is working on building that stamina to persevere, according to Winebark.
“For Grangeville, we are working on getting in the best shape possible while healing injuries from last week,” Winebark said.
According to Winebark, the focus for the coming week is to improve endurance and take quick shots when the opportunity presents itself. In addition, the team’s goal is to continue to give 100% at every game, stay productive and have consistent communication on the field.
Badgers will play an away game against Grangeville on Friday, Sept. 3, a home game against Priest River on Sept. 7 and a home game against Kellogg on Sept. 9.