For the first time in school history, the girl’s soccer team will be playing for a state championship; coach Julie Long said she looks to make this a championship-ending season.

The team will play for the state championship tomorrow at 10 at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.

“This group of girls is completely different than any group,” Long said. “I believe that we can win; were going to have to keep our focus to win this game.”

The team has 21 wins, 0 losses and 2 ties.

“Our defense has just been incredible,” Long said. “We’ve had 19 shutouts this year, and our defenders and keepers have just been on another level.”

The starting keeper Madison Hawkins said she hasn’t let much by her this year with only five goals being scored from opponents in 23 games.

“The defense has been great,” Hawkins said. “They’ve been the difference maker by being aggressive and getting the ball out of our side of the field.”

The defense seems to have no chinks in its armor with 19 shutouts. Leading the defensive front is senior Victoria Rose, senior Callie Schalk and sophomore Britney Sahlmann.

“Our forwards Anna Lowery and Caroline Campbell have been solid,” Long said. “They have both really stepped up.”

Sophomore Anna Lowery and freshman Caroline Campbell have been the starting forwards all year. Both have stepped up in combining for over 20 goals.

“I like the challenge,” Campbell said. “I love the game and I can’t wait to play for state.”

The team will compete without senior center fielder Jacie McMahan because of a red card against Little Rock Central.

“I think it’s going to be different,” sophomore Hailey Levinson. “We’re going to have to make some adjustments and play harder than we ever have.”

McMahan has been the starting center fielder all year. She has been vital to the offense with 7 goals and 13 assists.