Alyssa Williamson’s storybook high school soccer career is missing one thing: a perfect ending.
Thursday, she’ll begin writing the opening pages to it.
The four-year starter for Ankeny leads USA Soccer Jerseys the top-ranked Hawkettes in their quest for their first state soccer tournament title in school history.
“I know this team is getting fired up for it,” Williamson said.
It, the state tournament, arsenal jersey which begins Thursday at the Muscatine Soccer Complex, is an opportunity for redemption.
For Williamson, it’s her final chance.
The senior, who will play at Iowa State next season, helped Ankeny coach Chris Allen usher in a new era of success with Ankeny soccer.
Allen, who took over the squad in 2008,chelsea jersey has looked towards Williamson since she began playing as a freshman.
During her first season, the team racked up a 12-1 regular-season mark and finished a game short of the state tournament.
In her second season, barcelona jersey they were 14-2 in the regular season and earned the first of three straight state tournament appearances.
Last season was more of the same. Williamson helped the Hawkettes to a perfect 15-0 mark during their season.
During her four years at Ankeny, the Hawkettes have never lost on their home turf.
The Muscatine Soccer Complex is a different story though.
Williamson’s first trip to the tournament ended with a loss to Cedar Rapids Kennedy in the semifinals.
Last year was also tough for the Hawkettes. spain soccer jersey They entered the tournament as the top-ranked team and undefeated but left with a stunning 3-2 loss to Bettendorf in the semifinals.
Williamson said she still thinks about that match, but is now focusing on their match against No. 8 Cedar Rapids Washington (16-3) at 8:15 p.m., Thursday.
“Right now, it’s this season,”brazil soccer jersey she said. “We can’t really worry about last season. This year counts.”
Their lone blemish this year came during a 1-0 shootout loss to Dowling Catholic.
Since that match, they’ve won eight straight and outscored opponents 42-1.
Allen said he’s used that regular-season loss as a learning tool to prevent any postseason losses.
“We look at what we’ve done this season and use those games as well to motivate us,” Allen said.
He said having players like Williamson and leading scorer Katherine Young (18 goals and nine assists), argentina soccer jersey who played on last season’s squad, help serve reminders of what they didn’t do last season.
“I’m sure some of the girls remind the girls that are making their first trip what last year was like,” he said.
The No. 5 West Des Moines Valley Tigers (14-4) will want to recreate last season’s success.
The Class 2-A champions will try to win the state’s first 3-A title when they play No. 4 Kennedy.
Top-ranked Cedar Rapids Xavier last season’s 1-A champions will go for the 2-A title when they begin play against Independence/East Buchanan.
While those schools will go for their second consecutive titles, Williamson is looking for her first before becoming a Cyclone.
How bad does she want one?
“Pretty darn bad,” Williamson said.
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