Big 3 ready to lead Desert Vista girls soccer team to another title
The Big Three are back, and they won't allow any slack after last season's state championship.
Midfielder Isabel Deustch, forward Paige Maling and goalkeeper Kamrie Gunderson are ready to make another run at the girls soccer state title for Phoenix Desert Vista, after last season's dramatic finish.
Deustch's goal during the penalty kicks phase of the state final propelled Desert Vista over Chandler Hamilton for the championship.
Maling was the second-leading scorer by one point.
Gunderson was the leader among three goalies who stopped just about everything in front of them.
They're pushing teammates to not be satisfied after last season, to work harder, to go for the repeat.
"The last game of the previous season basically is the start-off to this season," coach Marvin Hypolite said.
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There aren't any glaring needs on a Desert Vista team that grew up last year and now is a collection of seasoned veterans, who are ready to leave a legacy.
They open next week with five matches, playing in the Coyote Classic at Gilbert Campo Verde.
"It's all about managing personalities and getting them in the right manner," Hypolite said. "Just in practice, you see how hard they work. They push each other, get the best out of each other."
Again, Hamilton is expected to challenge Desert Vista for the crown in the 6A Conference.
They likely will meet in the Arizona Soccer Showcase in north Phoenix in late December, before a Jan. 4 showdown at Desert Vista.
Last year's team went 22-3-2, outscoring its first six opponents by a combined 33-0.
Maling had 13 goals and five assists last season. Deustch had three goals and eight assists. And Gunderson had 64 saves, six shutouts and nine wins in 14 games.
"We had some strong players last year, but I don't think we lost too many, which is really nice," said Deustch, who goes by Izzy. "We've all have played together since we were maybe like 9."
They figure to see Hamilton in the end again.
Hamilton returns its core, led by Briana "Sammy" Atterbury, Jessica Wong, Emma Watson and Bryce Minniefield.
"We have a number of girls that play at a high level outside of Hamilton and gained valuable playoff experience last year," Hamilton coach Nathan Fairchild said. "I hope that we are a team that is difficult to score against and can consistently create attacking opportunities."
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Like Hypolite, Fairchild's biggest concern is keeping everybody focused and not getting too far ahead of themselves.
The coaches realize there is too much depth in girls soccer in the state. The competition continues to improve with more elite players crossing over from club ball.
"We've been working on our defense, which is really strong," Maling said. "Our forward line is really strong, as well."
The pressure is there, but Desert Vista won't live in the past.
"We're moving on," Maling said. "We're focused on this season."
Super 10 (all conferences)
No. 1 Desert Vista Thunder: No weaknesses from front to back and in the goal for returning state champs.
No. 2 Hamilton Huskies: Motivated after losing marathon state championship match against Desert Vista.
No. 3 Scottsdale Desert Mountain Wolves: Returns 14 players, eight starters, from last year's state semifinal overtime loss to Desert Vista.
No. 4 Phoenix Xavier Prep Gators: Should command the field with great returning leaders.
No. 5 Gilbert Perry Pumas: Amanda Dahl leads unselfish group determined to win 6A.
No. 6 Phoenix Pinnacle Pioneers: POY Kelsey Turnbow won't be playing (finishing high school in December to start college career at Santa Clara) but enough experience returns to make them a factor.
No. 7 Scottsdale Notre Dame Saints: Strong freshmen should only add to this powerhouse 5A team that is coming off back-to-back state championships.
No. 8 Scottsdale Chaparral Firebirds: Should give Notre Dame a run in 5A for the title.
No. 9 Tucson Palo Verde Titans: Off to 3-0 start in 4A after winning 23 matches behind Jackie Igulu's 62 goals.
No. 9 Fountain Hills Falcons: Defending Division III champs still fast and explosive with return of midfielder/forward Erika Yost.
No. 10 Chandler Basha Bears: This 6A team beat Boulder Creek 3-1 with two overtime goals in the opener.
25 Players to Watch
(alphabetical order)
Samantha Ahern, Surprise Shadow Ridge, D/MF, Sr.
Madie Amavilah, Xavier Prep, MF, Sr.
Brianna "Sammy" Atterbury, Hamilton, F, Jr.
Michaela Burke, Gilbert Christian, F, Sr.
Taylor Culver, Notre Dame Prep, D/F, Sr.
Amanda Dahl, Perry, MF, Jr.
Izzy Deustch, Desert Vista, MF, Sr.
Monica Figueroa, Scottsdale Coronado, F, Sr.
Amanda Furtmann, Notre Dame Prep, MF/F, Sr.
Kamrie Gunderson, Desert Vista, GK, Sr.
Jody Hernandez, Phoenix Thunderbird, F, Sr.
Quiqui Hita, Xavier Prep, F, Sr.
Jackie Igulu, Palo Verde, F, Jr.
Jillian Johnson, Phoenix Northwest Christian, D, Sr.
Kelsey Kiesz, Williams Field, D, Sr.
Allison Kolsrud, Williams Field, MF, Sr.
Alissa Kloster, Williams Field, GK, Sr,
Paige Maling, Desert Vista, F, Sr.
Jackie Melvin, Scottsdale Christian, MF, So.
Maddy Schleifer, Goodyear Trivium Prep, F, So.
Charlotte Tornee, Fountain Hills, GK, Sr.
Rachel Wolter, Perry, D, Sr.
Jessica Wong, Hamilton, F/MF, Sr.
Erika Yost, Fountain Hills, MF/F, Sr.
Keyara Zuniga, Sahuarita Walden Grove, MF, Sr.
To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at richard.obert@arizonarepublic.com or 602-316-8827. Follow him at twitter.com/azc_obert.