Ladyhawks fall behind early in losses

A pair of slow starts killed the Ladyhawks momentum, snapping their season long, two-game winning last week. On Thursday, Class A Columbia defeated Thompson Falls 32-45 at home. Two days later, the Ladyhawks would fall again, this time versus District 7-B foe Bigfork, 21-62. Thompson Falls is now 4-4 conf., 5-9 ovr.

A 10-0 deficit to start the first quarter, would be too much for the Ladyhawks to overcome against Columbia Falls. Despite, their early struggles, Thompson Falls would battle the Wildcats to a near standstill the rest of the way, trailing by only three, 32-35.

Hope Burlage had 21 points, including 10 in the opening frame, to lead Northwestern A Columbia Falls in the win. Jonna Werner added 12 points for the Wildcats (5-6).

For the Ladyhawks, Kelsy Fitchett scored 13 points, Makayla Becker nine, Allison Vaught six and Hope Reid four.

On Saturday, the Vals came to town ready to play, erupting to a 22-4 lead over Thompson Falls after the opening period and holding on for the District 7-B victory.

“That’s one of those games where you just have to forget about it,” Ladyhawks head coach Jason Reimer said. “There’s not much you can take from a game like that other than to just not let it get you down.”

Unlike Columbia Falls, Bigfork was able to keep their foot on the accelerator, outscoring the Ladyhawks in each additional period (9-4, 17-6, 14-7) on their way to the blowout win.

“They’re clearly the best team we’ve played this year,” Reimer said.

Caitlin Charlebois led the Vals with 16 points as Bigfork protected their perfect conference record (8-0, 13-1).

Fitchett led the Ladyhawks for the second consecutive game, tallying seven points. Becker and Allison Vaught each scored six and Hope Reid two in the loss.

Thompson Falls will host Noxon on Thursday before going on the road to face Charlo on Saturday.

The Ladyhawks will still control their own destiny, as one more conference win in either of their two remaining games will clinch at least a third seed heading into the divisional playoffs.

Reimer remained confident that his team will enter the postseason in top form, citing their four remaining conference games.