Girls lose to Hellgate 3-1, face Libby

The Columbia Falls girls soccer team lost to non-conference AA Missoula Hellgate Saturday, but the game was closer than the score suggests.

Hellgate took a 2-0 lead in the first half, but Columbia Falls scored at the 11-minute mark in the second half—a score that juiced the team. Lisa Carter stuck in the Kats only goal on an assist from Carla Appleton.

Coach Greg Trenerry said Carter "finished well on the keeper. She's doing well this year."

There was just one problem, however. The team forgot to play defense after the score, and Hellgate widened the gap to 3-1.

"At times we played well," Trenerry said. "We played well, but we didn't play great. They have a good team."

The Kats face Libby on Thursday at home at 3:30 p.m. and then travel to Hamilton on Saturday.

Trenerry said Libby is "an improving" team and they "aren't going to take them lightly."

The Hamilton game could be a preview to the playoffs. Hamilton tied Corvallis last week, 1-1 and should be the toughest Kat opponent in Class A to date.

On the plus side, the Kats will get senior Kim Pearce back, as well as Michelle Valov. Both have been sidelined with injuries.

The girls better not have too much fun on Homecoming night Friday. The bus leaves at 6 a.m. for Hamilton.