The girls soccer team has solidified their spot in the State Tournament, after beating Blake in the section final on October 17th. They feel as if they have done everything they can to prepare for future games. Last year, their season ended in the third place game as they tied Mankato East with a score of 1-1. This year they are hoping to make it all the way and get the job done.
With ten seniors being rostered, the team is looking forward to coming together and ending the season on a high note. For the seniors, it is the last chance many of them will get to play with each other before heading off to college. “I’m most looking forward to the memories we’ll make, and just be playing together and doing really well,” senior Kiya Gilliand said.
This year the team is more prepared than ever. Last year was more of a rebuilding year, as the team had eleven new players. They now are more experienced since the majority of them have already played at the Bank. “We’ve kind of figured out how to play together. The first season we had to learn how to play to each other’s strengths and now I think we’ve really done that,” Gilliand said.
With that being said the team has gone on a record of 17-0-3 staying undefeated the whole season. Once the seedings came out they were surprised to find out they have been ranked second to Holy Angels who had a record of 18-1-1. “I feel like we should’ve been ranked first but it’s okay because I think Holy Angels also has a pretty tough path to get to the final,” junior Lyra Carter said.
Heading into the second game the team is staying focused on the overall goal. As they play Winona in the semifinal game, they are relying on the preparation of the season to help them get through it. “We just have to keep playing our game, playing simple, consistent and strong. Not getting distracted and caught up in the moment,” senior Siena Carver said.
Getting the opportunity to play at the US Bank Stadium in front of your friends and family, against the best competition in the state is something that many people could only dream of. BSM’s goal isn’t just to make it to the tournament, but to win it. “I think playing better teams has helped our team get used to playing at a higher level, and hopefully play in the state final,” Carver said.