For the second time in the program’s four-year history, the #12 (1A) Dike-New Hartford girls soccer team will compete in the state tournament. They’ll take on #1 (1A) Davenport Assumption in a Class 1A quarterfinal Tuesday morning at James W. Cownie Soccer Complex.
The Wolverines enter the state tournament after a road upset of #2 (1A) Gilbert, where they won 1-0 in double overtime to advance. A stout defense has been led by goalkeeper Miranda Tyler, who has the most saves among the 1A state tournament field. In the current 10-game win streak, the Wolverines have given up just two goals. Head Coach Emma Eden says while her team will be viewed as the underdog, playing with their usual intensity will be a key factor.
“I think for us, it’s just making sure that we come off the bus ready to go, making sure that once we step on that field, we got to turn on another gear,” Eden says. “Making sure that we’re going in confident but not being arrogant in that type of way. But our girls do a nice job of making sure that they’re level-headed going into the game with their confidence, making sure that they’re all communicating. We just gotta make sure we’re finding feet now, making sure that our passing is there. We’re starting to turn a page where we’re hoping that we’re gonna be able to build that up and make sure we get some good offensive runs there.”
Lucy Varney has 13 goals and Gentry Swarts has 11.
A state tournament regular, top-seeded Assumption is 16-1, and has been battle-tested by a tough strength of schedule in the Mississippi Athletic Conference. They’re one of the lower-scoring teams in the state tournament field, so the Wolverines could find a defensive advantage. Dru Dorsey leads with 29 goals and Amalie Yeates has 12. Goalkeeper Maddy Nigey has given up just six goals.
The game will air on 99 The Wave at 10:00 a.m. “Meet the Wolverines” will begin at 8:30, which will include roundtable discussions with players and coaches.
