Woodinville HS v. Lake Stevens HS: 4A State Title Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If at any point you thought these two powerhouses were not going to be playing in this game, you were kidding yourself! Today will be the culmination of three months of hard work and dedication amongst two stacked rosters littered with college level talent. Every single athlete on these two teams have pushed each other to their preparation limits and are mentally and physically ready to battle. They will both need to bring their "A" games if they think they will be raising that WIAA 4A State Championship trophy tonight. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are some athletes to watch during this title match:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Woodinville Falcons:</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":273959,"width":"315px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none","align":"right"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/11/IMG_2326-crop-2700x1773-1732407141.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-273959" style="width:315px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='28034' first='Abigail' last='Mai'] - Woodinville High School</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defense is going to be the key to the falcon's success tonight. The Oklahoma commit, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='28058' first='Allyson' last='Laccinole']</strong>, will need to be on point to contain the potent Lake Stevens offense. Along with Laccinole, GK<strong> Jordin Jones</strong> will need to be on her game and be ready for shots from all angles and distances. Woodinville has the offensive skill to give the Lake Stevens back line some fits. Senior, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='28034' first='Abigail' last='Mai']</strong>, will be looking to continue her goal scoring streak on the weekend and punch one in early. Her ability to find small windows and locate the back of the net will be a must for a successful outcome. Midfielder, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='28304' first='Lucy' last='Wimsatt']</strong>, has the ability to change a game with the ball at her feet. She takes up space well and provides gorgeous through balls to her attacking teammates. If she chooses to be selfish and go to goal, the falcons could benefit greatly. The talent on the Woodinville squad runs deep and with key athletes like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='28468' first='Zoey' last='Lavezzi'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='111352' first='Madison' last='Deal']</strong> on the pitch, Lake Stevens will have a heck of a time controlling the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Lake Stevens Vikings:</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":273963,"width":"309px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none","align":"right"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/11/IMG_2383-crop-1667x1095-1732407307.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-273963" style="width:309px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='273293' first='Tessa' last='Anastasi'] - Lake Stevens High School</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Vikings are a goal scoring machine lead by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='111353' first='Noelani' last='Tupua']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='274183' first='Keira' last='Tupua']</strong>. These sisters can be unstoppable at times and when you think you have one contained, the other goes wild. It is not a matter of if they score, it is how many! Junior forward, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='170583' first='Cora' last='Jones']</strong>, also scores her fair share of goals and needs to be accounted for. Lake Stevens has a pair of senior midfielders in <strong>Charli Pugmire</strong> and <strong>Olivia Fast</strong> who have the ability to slow down the game or speed it up depending on the flow. These Captains have been key pieces to the team's success this season. <strong>Mia Ingram</strong> will need to help lock down the defensive back line to thwart the falcon attack. When it comes to a game changing player, there is no one better in position to be the Vikings' life saver than GK <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='273293' first='Tessa' last='Anastasi']</strong>! Her aggressive play style is exactly what her team needs. She is technically savvy and has a high goalkeeper IQ. She holds the ball cleanly and has a massive drop kick that can flip the field in an instant. If Anastasi is on her game, it could be a long night for the falcons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Final Thoughts:</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This will be one for the ages! You have two teams that have obvious strengths, but each team has the ability to neutralize those strengths. This game will come down to grit and physicality with the team who takes chances at the right time, coming out on top. Who is going to be the hero?! We will all find out soon enough!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#2 Woodinville Falcons v. #8 Lake Stevens Vikings @ 5:30pm @ Sparks Stadium</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->