The Issaquah Girls’ Varsity team won in the round of 16 of the State tournament last night, in an exciting 3-1 victory against the Kentridge Chargers. Players from both teams displayed their passion throughout the game, creating plenty of chances and forcing some saves from both keepers, including senior Chloe Lang. In the first half, Issaquah went up 1-0 thanks to senior Kate Wilkinson’s header off of a corner by another senior Natalie Perez. The girls continued their lead into the second half, when senior Chloe Huling scored a brilliant first-time volley off of a clearance from the Kentridge defenders to make it 2-0. A few minutes later, after a defender failed to clear the ball from the Issaquah box, Kentridge capitalized off of their mistake and scored, making it 2-1. Only a few minutes after that, Issaquah junior Jenna Wisler scored from Huling’s cross to make it 3-1 Issaquah. The game ended that way, propelling Issaquah into the next round of State.

Senior captains Kate Wilkinson and Katie Sanders were vital in Issaquah’s victory, holding the Kentridge Chargers to only one goal, and Wilkinson scoring the first goal for Issaquah. “We’re going to make sure our mentality is right to carry us far into the [State] tournament,” said Wilkinson after the 3-1 win. The girls need to maintain their drive, as on Saturday they are going to be playing Puyallup High. After the game, when talking about the subbing of Coach Kyle Tatro, Sanders said, “everyone realizes that they have an important role to play, whether that’s starting and playing the full game or hyping the bench up, and I think that the mindset that everyone is in this together will really drive this team forward into the playoffs.” The positive attitudes of the players and coaching staff, along with the passion of players such as junior Riley Larsen help to drive the team forward. Coach Jaci Belur after the game said, “looking ahead we need everyone well rested and with the same positive mindset to continue winning deep into the playoffs.” Fans of the girls are excited to see them continue their winning run this Saturday, come out and support them!