Waukee Northwest edged past Bettendorf 1-0 in the Class 3A semifinal on Tuesday, securing a spot in the state title game.
The lone goal arrived in the 39th minute when Natalie Elliott received a lead pass from Cora Sundet and struck a shot that slipped past the Bettendorf goalkeeper.
A Defensive Masterclass
Goalkeeper Grace Thomason preserved the lead with her 13th shutout of the season, a performance that head coach Tony Gabriel praised for its collective defensive effort.
Gabriel highlighted the team’s resilience and the need for recovery before the final, noting that the defense’s cohesion was the foundation of the win.
The next challenge will be a rematch with West Des Moines Valley, a squad Waukee Northwest defeated 2-1 earlier this season on April 21. The state championship match is scheduled for Saturday, June 13.
If the team repeats its championship run, it will mark a second consecutive title, a goal that has driven the squad throughout the season.