By DAN SARGENT
Herald Writer
MOUNT VERNON – The Lake Stevens Vikings captured their first-ever Class 3A Northwest District Championship by knocking off the Meadowdale Mavericks 2-1 Saturday night.
The Vikings came into the game with the motto “Attack the Plaque.” Lake Stevens soccer trophy case sat empty until now.
“Before the game we went and saw the case, it gave us a little more motivation,” Kelly Bay said.
On a field that resembled a muddy swamp more than a soccer field, the Vikings scored the game-winning goal off the head of senior captain Bay in the 31st minute.
“I had to come back to it, but I knew I had to get it,” a mud-splattered Bay said.
The Vikings struck first in the 19th minute, when Lindsey Barnes’ shot ricocheted of the post to Amy Carnell, who put it in the net.
The Mavericks answered in the 21st minute, when freshman Jamie Westby crossed the ball from the left side to Kate Nelson, who drove it into the back.
Meadowdale sweeper Morgan Overturf made a sliding tackle in the 36th minute to prevent a Vikings breakaway.
Meadowdale goalkeeper Allie Wirtala made some great saves to keep the Vikings expanding their lead and keep the Mavericks within striking distance.
In the second half, Vikings defensive back Mandy Brookes picked up her intensity to limit the chances of Mavericks forward Tara Darrow.
“She made all the difference in the world tonight,” Lake Stevens coach Diane Mattingly said of Brookes.
The Lake Stevens Vikings will open state play against Seattle Prep at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday at Snohomish Stadium. The Meadowdale Maverick will play on Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Edmonds Stadium against the winner of the Sammamish-Skyline game.
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Goals-Mount Vernon: Haberly 2, Wilson, Vilders. Goalkeepers-Mount Vernon: Leonard. Jackson: Ellenwood.
