For the girls soccer team, stepping on the field means stepping into battle. While every game holds value for the team, the chance to play against rival Carmel makes for a matchup unlike any other. No. 3 Carmel stands as a tough opponent for No. 7 Center Grove, as Carmel touts a 10-1-1 record, only one win ahead of the 9-1-1 Trojans.

The Trojans never expect a game to be easy, but against a strong Carmel team, they know it never will be. Junior striker Madi Kramer understands that fact and knows the team must keep a positive attitude leading into the game.

“Carmel has a lot of depth and talent in the program,” Kramer said. “They definitely have the ability to deliver a hard game. Working together on the field and staying aggressive is going to be an important attribute to beating them.” 

Beating Carmel would mean a lot for the entire team, but the veterans understand the impact a win could have. Senior midfielder Molly Tapak feels that taking down the Greyhounds would give the Trojans the boost they need in order to continue winning during post season play. 

“The win would bring a lot of morale and confidence to our team with it being such a big game for all of us,” Tapak said. “Using our new formation and staying connected through the midfield will help tremendously.”

With the anticipation building, the Trojans are preparing themselves tactically and mentally to play the same way they play every other team, and they won’t be shy at the opportunity to take a win. Junior center back Kylie Smith knows if the team goes into the game scared, they won’t get the outcome they are looking for. Smith also realizes how the Trojans’ defensive line specifically needs to perform. 

“Our main goal is to get a shutout and defend them well to stay on top of the game,” Smith said. “Last year we put up a good fight and ended up tying them, so especially this year with having a new coach and losing 11 seniors, it would be a big one for us.”