High school soccer: Alta seeking an unprecedented fifth straight 5A title

For complete soccer standings, schedules, box scores and stories, please click here

It is one of the first things Alta players see at every soccer practice.

On a white brick wall inside the team's equipment shed under the football bleachers are a list of names for each past senior who finished her career on a state championship team.

The empty space on that brick wall has begun to rapidly fill in during the Hawks' recent run of four consecutive state titles. And the current players are inspired by that symbol of their program's tradition to push for a fifth 5A crown when the girls soccer state tournaments get underway today.

"Those players gave their heart and soul for this team and they put their name up on the wall," senior defender Rebekah Wooden said. "It gives the team itself that little extra boost knowing if we do this, that's where we're going to be someday."

Alta comes into the playoffs in a rare position. The Hawks are a No. 2 seed for the first time in recent memory after Brighton posted a win and draw over them to claim the Region 4 title.

As the state's No. 1 ranked team and one of only three teams statewide without a regular season loss, the Bengals have the look and feel of a title favorite. Brighton has a potent offense powered by talented senior forward Stephanie Verdoia and owns a defense that allowed just eight goals in region play.

Still, Alta is driven to prove that it can win championships even after graduating Kealia Ohai. The motivation to silence doubters has driven each girl on the roster to put in tons of extra work to keep competing at high level this season.

"You look at these girls and they put so much time and so much effort into every game and every practice," senior forward Rylei North said. "It shows in the way they play. They're just really hard workers and I'm lucky to be a part of it."

Brighton is not the only threat to end Alta's domination. Region 1 also has several teams capable of making it to Rio Tinto Stadium and taking home a championship trophy next weekend.

Davis had been nearly unstoppable on both sides of the ball, even after losing standout forward Katie Taylor to a season ending knee injury. Fremont is a rugged defensive team who returns all of its key players from last year's semifinal run.

Both teams gave the Hawks fits a year ago and both appear to be as strong as ever this time around.