Kats drops Rangers, tie Panthers

The Columbia Falls girls soccer team opened the season last Friday at home by drubbing Livingston 4-0, but the Kats couldn't finish against Belgrade the next day and settled for a tie, 0-0.

Against Livingston, Ellie Johnson had two goals and two assist to lead the Wildkats as the girls outshot the Rangers 20-2. Hannah Gedlaman and Hannah Callender had a goal apiece.

Against Belgrade, the first half was a more even affair, with the Lady Panthers and the Wildkats battling to a nil draw at the half. But in the second half, the Kats dominated possession, but still couldn't find the back of the net.

They outshot the Panthers 15-5.

"We played hard," coach Greg Trenerry said. "We just have to finish. We'll keep working on it."

Like the boys' team, the girls are on the road against Laurel Friday and Billings Central Saturday.

Trenerry said Central will be a big challenge. They didn't lose anyone from last season. Laurel lost several players from last year's squad when they beat the Kats in the state finals, but they're still a solid club.