The Wakeland High School girls’ soccer team is heading to the state championship after a 3-0 victory over Grapevine in the 5A Division 2 state semifinals on April 4. The Lady Wolverines dominated both offensively and defensively, with goals from Morgan Landry, Audrey Gilbert, and Kendi Smith. In the first half, Landry found the back of the net against Grapevine’s goalie Brooke Bereuter, followed by Gilbert, who added another goal. Smith also scored in the first half, with her attempt slipping past Grapevine’s Brooke Turner.
Grapevine came out strong, trying to score in the opening minutes, but Wakeland’s defensive line, consisting of Sophie Altieri, Anna Mayer, Kendi Smith, and Lily McCalmonth, shut down any offensive threats. The defense remained composed throughout, maintaining their clean sheet and helping secure the team’s 15th consecutive win.
In the 5A Division 2 state semifinals on April 4, the Wakeland Lady Wolverines secured a 3-2 overtime victory against Grapevine High School. The match was intense, with Grapevine leading 2-0 with 11 minutes remaining in regulation. However, Wakeland rallied, scoring two goals in the final ten minutes to force overtime. In the 95th minute, Bella James scored the game-winning goal off a corner kick from Sophia Pehr. – said Star-Telegram’s Brian Gosset
Looking ahead, Wakeland will face Cedar Park in the 5A-II state championship game at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 11, at Birkelbach Field in Georgetown. The Lady Wolverines previously defeated Cedar Park 4-2 in the Governor’s Cup on January 17 and will look to repeat their success in the state final.
Before this monumental win, Wakeland reached the regional finals on April 1 after a 2-0 victory over Lovejoy High School. In that match, star players Dilan Pistorius and Audrey Gilbert each scored, with the defense remaining impenetrable throughout. The Lady Wolverines’ defensive unit and keeper Lauren Mitchell made crucial stops, ensuring Lovejoy couldn’t score.
“Our team has worked so hard all season, and we knew this was going to be a tough matchup,” said Kennedy Clark, who contributed to the team’s 3-0 victory over Belton on March 28. Clark, along with Audrey Gilbert and Finley McKnight, scored in that game, while assists came from Sophie Altieri, Dilan Pistorius, and Ava Brennan. The team’s strong chemistry and efficient ball movement were key factors in breaking down Belton’s defense.
“We knew Belton was a strong team, but our team stayed disciplined and executed our game plan,” said Dilan Pistorius. “Our team is special, and we’ve shown we have the heart and talent to go all the way.”
Wakeland’s defense was instrumental in their regional final victory as well. Lauren Mitchell made several crucial saves, and defenders Sarah Vasquez and Emily Ford helped shut down Lovejoy’s offensive attacks.
Now, with one game left to play, the Lady Wolverines are just one step away from a state title. They remain focused, determined, and ready to face Cedar Park in what promises to be an exciting championship showdown.
