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SANDY — The Sky View High School Bobcats are the 4A state champions after defeating the Bonneville High School Lakers, 2-0. This is Sky View’s first state title in girls soccer in school history.
Sky View’s offense attacked from start to finish and didn’t give Bonneville an inch of room to operate. The Bobcats’ midfield controlled the ball for much of the game; crisp passes around the field kept the Lakers at bay.
Bobcats’ keeper Kelsea Cracroft played stellar defense, resulting in a shutout for the third time this postseason for Sky View. She had six saves on the day.
“[Cracroft] is an amazing keeper. Just so proud of her. She’s just stepped up and taken that role as a leader on the team," said Sky View coach Sharron Wood.
The game was physical in the first half, resulting in free kicks for both teams. The first goal of the game was scored by senior team captain Samantha Tippetts after a free kick attempt with 4:30 left in the first half. The ball bounced off the hands of Bonneville goalie Ashley Croyle, and Tippetts was in the right spot for an easy chip shot goal.
“Sam is a smart player,” said Wood. “She seems to be where she needs to be at the right time.”
Bonneville had some offensive opportunities during the game but failed to capitalize on them.
Sky View was able to overcome the physical play from Bonneville with smart play and preparation.
“We just told them that if we get the ball first and do our normal pass and move then we’ll be okay,” said Wood. “The physical won’t bother us as long as we’re doing what we need to do — and what we do best — which is pass and move, play to each other, and work together as a team.”
“We’re definitely not like a super physical team but we definitely took care of it and dealt with it like you have to,” said Tippetts.
The second goal of the game that sealed the victory for the Bobcats was scored by junior Sidney Barlow with just two minutes left in the match. The crowd for Sky View erupted as the Bobcats could slowly feel the championship coming their way. All they had to do was hold on just a bit longer.
“Once it left my foot I was just like ‘please go in’ this will secure our win. And when it went in I was so happy and ecstatic. It was awesome,” said Barlow. “They have two minutes, there’s no way they can get two goals, so I was like, ‘it’s over.’”
The Bobcats finish the season 16-2-2. They were undefeated in region play (10-0) and only surrendered five goals to the rest of the region.
“It’s so amazing, we have worked so hard for this, we knew it was coming,” said Cracroft. “We did it for each other and I’m so happy we’ve done it... It was hard work that got us here.”
“They love the game, they want to win and they play together. They love each other. And honestly, it was all about their team,” said Wood.
