Laurel Edges Columbia Falls to Win Soccer Title

COLUMBIA FALLS — Laurel scored a pair of goals in the first half and held off Columbia Falls to win its first Class A girls soccer state championship 2-1 on Nov. 1.

Allie McGrath scored off an assist from Raquel Jimenez in the 31st minute and Jessica Elmer netted another score five minutes later.

Lottie Ellis scored Columbia Falls’ lone goal before half, but the Wildkats were unable to find the net again.

“We played flat. They played hard. They wanted it,” Columbia Falls head coach Greg Trenerry said.

Laurel took 15 shots on goal while Columbia Falls only managed four.

“They just peaked at the right moment. They really wanted it and really believed in themselves,” said Laurel head coach Aloma Jess.

She added, “This means more than just a championship because it was against Columbia Falls. They are a quality team and always have been.”

It was the second time in three years that the Wildkats played in the Class A championship match. Columbia Falls lost to Billings Central two seasons ago in the chipper.

The girls claimed their third Northern A conference title in four years, too.

But most historic was Columbia Falls’ victory in the semifinals, when the Wildkats stunned the six-time defending state champs, Billings Central. Columbia Falls won 3-2 and ended Billings Central’s 54-match unbeaten streak.

“We had a great season. It’s a journey to get to this final. It’s never given to you,” Trenerry said. “They worked hard and did a great job. It just didn’t end up quite like they wanted … It was tough for them to get here, to go to Billings and winning and getting here was huge for them. That’s something they’ll always have. That’s history.”