Last night, the Westside girls varsity soccer team marched into state with a 2-1 win over Papillion-La Vista. The win puts the team in state for a second year in a row.

Westside started the night with a goal nine minutes in by junior Michelle Xiao. Xiao dominated the Monarch defense with speed and acceleration. She and the other Westside strikers kept the ball on their attacking third of the field and kept the momentum on their side, as well.

The Warriors headed into the second half with a 1-0 lead.

Early in the second, Papillion fouled Xiao 40 yards out from the goal. On the ensuing free kick, senior Gigi Grant curved it over the Papillion defenders and goalie to give Westside a 2-0 lead.

Westside then took a step back for the remainder of the game to maintain its two-goal lead. The Monarchs became more aggressive with their attack. In a scuffle in the Warrior’s box for the ball, a foul was called on Westside. Papillion capitalized on the penalty kick to bring the score to 2-1 with 18 minutes left in the game.

The Warriors were able to maintain possession for the majority of the game after the PK, and finished the game winning 2-1. They are the district champions.

Westside moves on to the state tournament. They will play as the #3 seed against #6 seed Kearney Wednesday, May 14, at 11 a.m. The game will be held at Michael G. Morrison S.J. Stadium (Creighton University).