Maple Mountain lost 3-0 to Olympus in the state semifinals on Tuesday, October 20.
Despite the defeat, Golden Eagle head coach Brynlie Mellor told her players that the team's performance throughout the season was a remarkable achievement.
The Titans established a 3-0 lead during the first 40 minutes of play. Mellor noted that the team struggled with anxiety during the first half and stated that they were not playing like Maple Mountain during those opening 40 minutes.
In the second half, the Golden Eagles showed an uptick in performance and controlled most of the possession. While they created several goal-scoring opportunities, shots frequently missed the target or hit the post, preventing a comeback.
Prior to the season, Maple Mountain was ranked No. 52 in the state of Utah. Mellor, who took over head coaching duties just before the season began, said she did not expect the team to advance this far in her first year.
The team's roster included graduating seniors Piper Hoyt, Kate Austin, and Abigail Chavez. However, the program remains optimistic due to a roster full of underclassmen who played significant roles this season. Mellor stated her belief that the team will be in the finals next year, regardless of whether they compete in 4A, 5A, or 6A.
The semifinal match featured several Maple Mountain players, including Madison Neilson and Graycie Arnold, as the team fought for possession against Olympus.
