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For the first time in the school's history, Timpanogos found itself on top of the 4A girls' soccer bracket last Saturday with an impressive 2-1 victory over Bonneville. The Timberwolves' state title might be the school's first, but they are hoping it isn't their last.
The season has scarcely wrapped up but the Timberwolves are already making plans for how to accomplish a second title next year.
"When you lose eight seniors, it forces you to look at next season," coach Natalyn Lewis said. "We had a lot of depth this year that we didn't tap into and that will help a lot next year."
The Timberwolves will be led by eight juniors who proved themselves this season. Marissa Nimmer, Mackenzie Adams, Marissa Umbedacht, Alexa Anderson, Julie Sultz, Autumn Johnson, Christine Webb, and Katie Jessop have been a big part of the team's success this year.
Lewis said that Nimmer has been the star of the team this year and played some of her best soccer at the end of the season. Adams scored both goals in the title game, giving Timpanogos the win. And Anderson has been consistent all year as keeper.
Region 7 is tough and Lewis said that the regular season games prepared them for the tournament by forcing the team to show up and play every game the best they could.
"The girls realized this year they could do it," Lewis said. "They opened up the realm of possibilities to the other girls and proved that anyone can accomplish their goals."
Although the Red Devils were eliminated by the eventual 4A title winner Timpanogos in the semifinal round of the state tournament, they are counting this season as a win and are happy with the level of play they maintained through out the course of a tough season.
"We had a tremendous team and they fought hard in every game," coach Ryan Swanson said. "We knew the game against Timpanogos would be a battle but we prepared for it and I think the girls played their hardest."
Springville girls' soccer
Springville was able to tie up the game with Timpanogos in the 4A semifinals, but couldn't make the jump to leading and eventually fell to the Timberwolves 2-1. This season is over and now is the time to start making preparations for next year.
Although the Red Devils will lose seven seniors this year, they are heavy in juniors with a lot of playing experience. Brooke Larson broke her foot in the quarterfinal game against Woods Cross which meant that Emily Staheli had to step up, which she did.
The Red Devils' offense will stay mostly intact, led by Alexis Eaton and Jennifer Mason. Between the two of them, they have contributed to more than 20 goals this season.
"We have 15 to 16 girls with good varsity experience for next season," Swanson said. "These girls have had a taste of success and are willing to work hard and improve to get it again."
