When the varsity girls soccer team takes on Greenwood tonight at 5 p.m., they will be competing in the sectional tournament at home for the first time in school history. Although the Trojans are favored to win the sectional title, there are still things the team to focus on heading into the tournament.

“To prepare for sectionals we have gone over our formation tactically and made sure we are all fully aware of who our defensive responsibilities are,” senior team captain Bri Poore said. “Practice has been high intensity, which is helping us prepare for games to come. To add some more fun into sectionals week we dress up every day, so if you saw us with crazy hair today that was to represent our first game tonight.”

Although they had a 13-2-1 record this season and the team is confident in their abilities, they know that they have to take it game by game.

“Every team we are up against poses a different challenge for us, but we are taking everything one game at a time,” senior team captain Elizabeth Andersen said. “We are only focused on beating that specific team and getting one step closer to winning a state championship. Some of our biggest competition will potentially be against Columbus North, Bloomington South, and Carmel. Each of these teams are solid opponents, but there is nothing our team can’t do when we are on our game and playing as a family.”

Mindset is also an important aspect of the post-season tournament, and the players have recognized how it affects their game.

“The biggest challenges are mental,” senior team captain Kelti Wise said. “We can’t get caught up in the mistakes we make but instead need to continue on with the game. We can’t let the pace of the game get away from us, and we need to control the game ourselves and play how we know how to play.” 

After making it to the final four for only the fourth time in school history last season, the team has high hopes of making another deep post-season run.

“I think our biggest challenges will be staying healthy and keeping our mental game strong,” Andersen said. “We are a very solid team; however, when we start to doubt our capabilities we can falter a little. As long as we continue to work hard every day, heal any injuries, and stay mentally strong, we can go far in the tournament this year.”