On November 3rd, BSM’s girls soccer faced off against the Holy Angels Stars in the State Championship game. The Red Knights came out strong and set the tone of the game early. Senior Siena Carver scored within the first half of the game, aided by an assist from senior captain Lauren Hillins. The girls fought through the second half to protect their lead, as fans in white cheered them on. BSM maintained a lead of 1-0 and took home the Class 2A State Championship title.
The BSM Red Knights have some history with the Stars, as their Assistant Coach Callianne Olson is a Holy Angels alum. “Miss Olson went to Holy Angels, so she’s very close with that program. And we have many friends on both teams so we’re very familiar with each other,” Hillins said.
Before the game, players and coaches were optimistic and energized. “We are in a great headspace. Players are locked in, comfortable with the game plan, and ready to execute it. Ready for kickoff!” Olson said in an email interview.
After placing third in State last year, the Red Knights were ready for the new opportunity to win the championship title. “We are all feeling a bit nervous, but we feel ready and are excited to get out on the field,” Hillins said before the game.
Positivity and readiness were on full display at game time. The Red Knights capitalized on Carver’s goal during the first half and kept the pressure on the Stars throughout the second. “The goal we scored was a beautiful build-up of 8 connected passes, starting from our goalie, that culminated in a banger of a shot from Siena Carver,” Olson said.
In the weeks leading up to the game, the Red Knights focused on their defensive strategy, as they knew Holy Angels had a strong offense. Their preparation paid off. “As a team, we came in with a strong defensive strategy and executed it perfectly, we battled hard to the very end, and we denied them important opportunities to hurt us,” Olson said.
As a team, we came in with a strong defensive strategy and executed it perfectly, we battled hard to the very end, and we denied them important opportunities to hurt us.”
— Callianne Olson
Junior Lyra Carter was key to this defensive stand. “Lyra Carter defended #9 (who won Ms. Soccer) on [Holy Angels] brilliantly, essentially cutting her out of their attack and preventing her from generating much of anything. That was the only post-season game in four years that #9 did not score a goal in,” Olson said.
One of the most crucial plays of the game came in the first half when senior goalie, Olivia Olson, defended a penalty kick in jaw-dropping fashion. She made seven more saves throughout, denying Holy Angels any momentum. “After [Holy Angels] was awarded a penalty kick not long after our goal, Olivia came up HUGE with a save. This was a huge blow and a lost opportunity for AHA to tie up the game and put us back on our heels,” Olson said.
Fans agree that Olivia Olson’s save was one of the most memorable plays. “When there was a free kick and Olivia grabbed it… that was sick,” junior Leo Kangas said.