They also thought every game was the biggest of the year.

So when the actual biggest game of the year took place, the same result occurred, as usual. Instead of strutting around with a "we knew all along" attitude, the No. 1 Hawks found themselves caught up in the emotions of defeating Lone Peak for the second year in a row - this time by a 3-0 score - in the Class 5-A state title game Saturday, becoming the first 5-A team in state history to accomplish the feat.

"All of our hard work paid off," forward Ashley Jones said.

And after the game - in which the Hawks (18-2-0 overall) shut down Lone Peak's star forward, Shantel Flanary, in addition to limiting the Knights to no shots in the first half - the Hawks stormed the Juan Diego High soccer field as though they were completely shocked by the end result. Later on, the players surprised coach Lee Mitchell with an ice shower, something he's received a state-best five times now and three times in the last four years.

"They're all different, they're all very much different, they're all so special," Mitchell said about his state titles.

So what was the key to handing the Knights (17-3-0) their third consecutive state-title game heartbreak? "To not let them touch the ball. We weren't going to let them touch the ball," defender Morgan Bridge said.

The Knights managed just one shot all day - which was nothing new since the Hawks allowed only one goal in the state playoffs.

Alta, however, didn't have problems creating opportunities.

The Hawks fired 13 shots in the first half, though only one resulted in a score. That was in the 37th minute, when Corie Walch gave Jones a perfect setup in front of the goal for a 1-0 lead.

In the second half, the midfield and backfield - anchored by Natalie Cude, Lauren Minnick and Julia Flores - continued to frustrate Lone Peak's offense, though the wet and rainy conditions were also factors, and the Hawks looked more at ease in the extreme weather.

In the 60th minute, Walch scored. Even then, with a Lone Peak team unable to get pass the midfield, the Hawks still wanted more - and there was no sign of early celebration, something a cocky defending champion on the verge of another title would have probably done. Sophomore Kealia Ohai, in one quick catch-and-release motion from about 20 yards out, finalized the heartbreak in the 76th minute.

So, how about next season: a possible three-peat?

"Don't even ask me that right now," Mitchell said. "We'll wait until next year and see what happens."

csun@sltrib.com

* With their win over Lone Peak, the Alta Hawks become the first team in Class 5-A history to repeat as state champions. It is also their third championship in four years.

* Senior Corie Walch finishes with a goal and an assist and a goal to lead the Hawks, who are able to limit Lone Peak's scoring chances to almost none.