Wildkats beat Hamilton 5-2 in season opener

COLUMBIA FALLS — Tayler Lingle scored two goals for the Columbia Falls Wildkats in a 5-2 nonconference victory over the Hamilton Bulldogs in the season opener for both teams on Friday.

“For us to come out and beat a team that was second in their conference last year, it was a big statement from the girls, especially in the second half,” Columbia Falls coach Thomas Clark said.

Tied 1-1 at the half after goals from Hamilton’s Taylor McCarthy and Columbia Falls’ Hope McAtee, the Bulldogs took the lead after McCarthy’s second goal in the 51st minute. It was short-lived, as Lingle scored her first goal two minutes later and opened the floodgates for the Wildkats’ offense.

Lingle’s second goal came in between the tallies of Sydney Mann and Josie Harris. Wildkat goalkeeper Zoey Byrd made six saves.

The Wildkats take the field again Saturday at 11 a.m. against Missoula Loyola at Columbia Falls High School.

Hamilton 1 1 — 2

Columbia Falls 1 4 — 5

H — Taylor McCarthy (Hannah Hughes) 23:00

CF — Hope McAtee (Taylor Rodgers) 28:00

H — McCarthy (Em Corchesney) 51:00

CF — Tayler Lingle (Kenzee West) 53:00

CF — Sydney Mann (Rodgers) 60:00

CF — Lingle (Rodgers) 70:00

CF — Josie Harris (McAtee) 78:00

Shots — Hamilton 7, Columbia Falls 31; Goalie saves — Hamilton (Lexi Brenneman 15), Columbia Falls (Zoey Byrd 6); Fouls — Hamilton 4, Columbia Falls 9; Corner kicks —Hamilton 1, Columbia Falls 4; Cards — Columbia Falls 1.

For us to come out and beat a team that was second in their conference last year, it was a big statement from the girls, especially in the second half.