Trojan girls soccer had one of the best seasons in recent history. With a team made up of a lot of new players, there was a level of uncertainty as the girls progressed through the season and then prepared for the state playoffs. As the season progressed and their State Division 3A ranking rose, they grew more hopeful for an amazing finish and possibly a state title run.

Unfortunately, their state run ended shorter than they would have liked, with a heartbreaking loss against Pusch Ridge. Although their season ended in the first round of playoffs, the Trojan soccer team accomplished much over the course of the year.

The team finished their regular season with a conference record of 8-4. This year, the girls were placed in an extremely hard region, with four out of the six other teams ranking in the top 5 of the entire 3A division at the end of the season. Despite this challenge, the Trojans rose to the top, finishing their season ranked 8^th out of the 30 other teams in 3A and earning themselves a home playoff game, something that hasn't happened for the past several seasons.

With anticipation about their first game, the Trojans came out on fire, fighting so hard to move on to the next round of playoffs. However, about ten minutes into the game, the Pusch Ridge girls scored their first goal after a series of well-placed passes. The rest of the first half was a painful battle between both teams. The Trojans fought harder than they ever had for a goal to tie the game, but after the remaining 30 minutes of the first half, neither team scored again, ending the first half the game with a score of 0-1.

Even though they were losing, the Trojan girls kept their heads up and ran back onto the field with renewed determination. Shot after shot was taken, and fans were kept on edge of their seats as the battle continued, neither team gaining an advantage as play went back and forth during second half play. Goalie Catherine Slyter had one of the best games of her career, saving every single shot from the opposing team and keeping the Trojans in the game.

With approximately five minutes left in the game, the Trojans earned a corner kick. Determined to put it in the back of the net, Junior Sydney Paschich sent a beautiful ball over the opposing defense into the center of the box, and Senior Layla Heller was able to get a foot on the ball and poke it into the back of the net. This goal put the Trojans even with Pusch Ridge at 1-1 and the Trojans were thrilled to realize that they were back in the game.

After the second half ended without any more goals, the referees indicated that the game would continue into overtime. This was an exciting turn of events for the Trojans, as many of them had expected an end to their season at the blow of the whistle. With renewed hope, the girls had a quick break and then ran back onto the field. However, though they fought hard, Pusch Ridge scored an early goal in the first half of overtime. The Trojans fought hard through tired legs and a tight opposing defensive line, but they couldn't pull through. The game ended with a final score of 1 – 2 for Pusch Ridge.

Though it was a tough loss, the team was thankful for the moments they had together. Captain and senior Layla Heller commented, "I'm so thankful for our team and the close bond that we had this year. Although the season ended differently than we would have liked, it was my favorite year of soccer by far, and I'm so proud of all the girls and their performance. I'm sad that I'm leaving this year, but this was a season that I will truly never forget. They will all do great things in the seasons to come." 

Despite this loss, the Trojans had a season to remember, and it cannot go unsaid that this was one of the better teams in Valley history. Not only did they have a better record than many years in the past, but they were a top challenger for winning it all, with numerous players on their team performing better than they ever have before. One of these players was Abigail Stipp, who ended up breaking four school records by the end of the season.  

When asked her feelings on their season overall, Abigail shared, "This season was definitely one I will remember forever! I think that this was probably the best season Valley girls' soccer has had in a long time. We came together as a family and support each other no matter what. We were intentional with our words and actions in order that we could built one another up and represent our school and Savior well to the other teams. We had team parties, sleepovers, and prayer sessions with other teams after every game. Not only did we have an incredible season with our performance-wise, but also culture-wise. I will definitely cherish this season forever and will never forget all of the fun and sweet memories!" 

What an end to a fantastic season. We can't wait to see what the Trojans will do next year!