TUCSON, Arizona — For Troy Bosley's Walden Grove girls soccer team, this season began with last season's loss to Salpointe in the Class 4A state semifinals.
"Since then, these girls have been on a mission," said Bosley.
Helping to accomplish the mission is Vivian Villarreal, who is at or near the top of most statistical categories, and she's only a freshman.
"She's just a phenomenal player," added Bosley. "She can take control of the game. She finds her teammates."
Villarreal is new to her team, but not her teammates.
"All of these girls, we're all in soccer clubs," said Villarreal. "We play against each other. It's one huge community, here."
"We took Vivian under our wing just like year's seniors did," said junior Meredith Galus.
Galus was part of last year's team that lost to Salpointe in the semifinals. Now, on Saturday at Tucson High Schools, the Red Wolves get a another chance against the Lancers. This, time they'll be playing the five-time defending state champions in the finals.
"For us to compete again, it's a fantastic opportunity to redeem ourselves," said Galus.
"It's going to be a great game," said Boswell. "Salpointe is always a juggernaut."
"It would mean so much," said Villarreal. "We work hard and have so much heart for the game. We all want to win for each other. And, it would be a really amazing accomplishment.
