Lloyd helps make history

For Alyssa Lloyd, a senior co-captain for Mt. Spokane, a win for the Wildcats in the State 3A quarterfinal match against the Kamiakin Braves on Saturday isn’t just another win. It’s an opportunity to be a part of her school’s history.

After a one-sided 4-0 win over the Braves (16-2) at Spokane Falls Community College, Lloyd will be leading the Wildcats (19-0) to their first final four.

“It’s amazing to us,” said Lloyd, who scored two goals and added an assist. “We just made school history, so it feels great. We want to go all the way.”

Mt. Spokane’s first goal came at the 6-minute mark after a failed cross during a Mt. Spokane attack. Junior forward Carly Franks found the ball at the top of the box and launched it into the upper right-hand corner of the net, giving the Wildcats a 1-0 lead.

It wasn’t until the second half when Lloyd made her biggest difference. In the 47th minute, Lloyd found Madison Boyd in front of the goal for an easy score. Just 10 minutes later, during another Wildcats attack, sophomore Whitney Weaver found Lloyd for her first goal.

Lloyd’s second goal came in the 63rd minute off of a corner kick. Junior Katie Nilsson placed the ball perfectly after the kick, and Lloyd headed the ball into the net with a little help from the crossbar.

“We worked hard and we suppressed Kamiakin’s attack, and we know they can score goals,” Mt. Spokane coach Ryan Campanella said. “We knew going into the second half we had to keep doing what we were doing. We just stuck to our game plan, and now I’m happy to say that our school is going to the final four for the first time in school history.

“These girls are excited to go out and prove that this side of the state has quality soccer as well. We’re here to represent the GSL.”

The Wildcats will face Holy Names Academy at 4 p.m. Friday at Sparks Stadium in Puyallup, Wash.