by Scott Sacry
The State Class A soccer playoffs began on Saturday, Oct. 14th, and out of the 16 teams competing in the boys and girls tournament, four were from the Bitterroot Valley. The Hamilton girls, the Corvallis boys, the Stevensville girls, and the Stevensville boys all hosted first-round playoff games on Saturday, Oct. 14th, a testament to the high level of soccer being played and coached in the Bitterroot Valley.
Corvallis 2, Columbia Falls 1
The Corvallis boys, the South’s #1 seed, hosted the North’s #2 seed, Columbia Falls, on Saturday, Oct. 14th. In a dramatic game, the Blue Devils defeated the defending State Champions 2-1. Corvallis went down 0-1 early, then stormed back with goals from Enzio Monnier and Jack Hanssen to get the come-from-behind victory. With the win, the Blue Devils earned a spot in the state semifinals where they will host Billings Central on Saturday, Oct. 21st at 1 p.m.
Hamilton 0, Columbia Falls 2
The Hamilton girls, the South’s #1 seed, hosted the #2 seed from the North, Columbia Falls, on Saturday, Oct 14th and fell 0-2. The tough and disciplined Columbia Falls squad was able to hold Hamilton’s potent offense in check as the Lady Broncs couldn’t quite find their stride.
Stevensville 1, Lockwood 2 (OT)
The Stevensville girls were the South’s #2 seed and hosted the East’s #2 seed, Lockwood, on Saturday, Oct 14th. The Lady ‘Jackets played a tough game. The score was tied 1-1 at the end of regulation, sending the game to overtime, where Stevensville gave up a goal and lost 1-2. Stevensville’s lone goal came from Holly St. Germain with an assist by Claire Uskoski.
Stevensville 2, Lone Peak 3
The Stevensville boys were the South’s #2 seed and hosted the East’s #2 seed, Lone Peak, on Saturday, Oct. 14th. In a hard fought battle between evenly matched teams, Stevensville lost 2-3. Stevensville got goals from Evan Montague and Spencer Moore.
Stevensville girls and boys win state play-in games
There are three divisions of Class A Soccer: North, South, and East. Corvallis, Hamilton, and Stevensville are all in the South division. This year was the South’s turn to only get two teams into the State tournament. The South’s #2 and #3 teams played a “play in” match to decide the South’s #2 seed moving into the eight-team state bracket.
Stevensville 7, Corvallis 0
In the girls’ play-in game, #2 Stevensville hosted #3 Corvallis on Monday, Oct. 9th. The Lady ‘Jackets defeated Corvallis 7-0. Stevensville’s Addison Nobi had a hat trick, and Holly St. Germain, Millie Shepp, Montana Gunther, and Maya Peretto each had a goal.
Stevensville 2, Hamilton 1
In the boys’ play-in game, #2 Hamilton hosted #3 Stevensville on Tuesday, Oct. 10th. Stevensville won 2-1 in a close-fought contest. Stevensville got goals from David Beams and Cole Fowler.