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Led by a group of young talent, No. 1-ranked Gilbert Christian girls soccer is ready to take the next step in their quest in claiming a state title at the 3A Soccer State Championships this week.

Freshman Mila Russo leads the undefeated Knights (12-0, 6-0 3A East) with 27 goals and 10 assists, while freshman teammate Madyn Allan put 15 balls in the net this season with an impressive 20 assists.

Junior captain Caprice Chiuchiolo wasn’t bad herself in 2023-24, scoring 24 goals with 13 assists, and senior captain Daniella Orellana had nine goals.

“The success of our team this year is not based on one player, but the group as a whole,” Gilbert Christian head coach Hector Orellana said. “We have very talented players, strong supporting bench players and even super encouraging injured players that root and support this team with all they have. We fight for each other and are happy to see each teammate succeed in their gameplay.”

The Knights came up short a season ago with a 3-1 loss to Benjamin Franklin in the 3A state title match, but this season, they hope all their hard work pays off with a different result.

Gilbert Christian opens the 3A state playoffs against No. 16 Yuma Catholic on Feb. 7.

NORTHWEST CHRISTIAN

The Crusaders (11-1, 6-0 3A Central) suffered an early-playoff exit a season ago, losing 3-1 to Phoenix Country Day in the first round, but the No. 3-seeded club that’s won nine straight are aiming higher this February.

“The girls have been putting in the work and connecting as a team,” Northwest Christian head coach John Kortman said. “[We want] to stay focused at practice and play consistent for all 80 minutes every game.”

Cassidy Garberding leads the team with 26 goals and 12 assists while Emma Zakarian recorded 11 goals and 15 assists this season.

The 3A Central champs host No. 14 Valley Christian on Feb. 7.

Northwest Christian girls soccer won a 3A Central region title this season and aim to avenge their first-round exit a season ago when they host No. 14 Valley Christian in the 3A Soccer State Championships on Feb. 7, 2024. (Northwest Christian Athletics/Courtesy)

CINDERELLA STORY

Arete Prep (12-4, 6-1 3A Metro) is 4-2 against the current 3A state playoff field this season, having lost to No. 2 Thatcher 4-1 (Jan. 24) and No. 10 Veritas Prep 5-1 (Jan. 30).

At No. 8, the Chargers are scheduled to face Crismon on Feb. 7.

Led by senior captain Marissa Morales, who set a school record with 44 goals this season and is third overall in the state behind playoff opponent Kaylin Revolt (47 goals) and No. 4 ALA-West Foothills’ standout Kaimbrey Inman, who scored 53 this year.

The 44 goals by Morales was good enough for 10th best in the country.

“[She has] strong leadership, willingness to help teammates become better players and great sportsmanship,” Arete Prep coach Kimberly Bellomy said.

Bellomy added that her club’s dedication and willingness to work hard may set them apart from other clubs in the playoff field.

“We have great senior leadership and coaches willing to put in the time to make the season a success,” Bellomy said, adding that the Chargers must work harder to compete in tougher games, which they no doubt see in February.

“When faced with good, strong, physical teams, we have struggled to find our pace,” Bellomy said, adding later, “The girls really demonstrated true grit, integrity, and great-hearted values that all coaches dream of having on their team. It has been a real honor to coach this group of young women.”

NATIONAL RECOGNITION

ALA-West Foothills’ star Kaimbrey Inman finished the regular season with 53 goals, placing her in the Top 5 in the country in goals scored in 2023-24.

The No. 4-ranked Guardians (18-4, 5-0 3A Northwest) hope to use that to their advantage when the 3A state playoffs begin Feb. 7 against No. 13 Rancho Solano Prep.

“To secure a state championship we must stay focused on our game plan and avoid mental distractions,” ALA-West Foothills coach Kimberlie Gagle said. “Continuing our effective passing and teamwork will be crucial in facing upcoming challenges.”

Inman is three goals shy from her 100th career goal at the school, having joined the Guardians as a sophomore. She surpassed 100 goals in total earlier this season against Anthem Prep.

OTHERS TO WATCH

Thatcher (13-5-1, 3-0-1 3A Southeast) comes into the 3A state playoffs with a No. 2 seed as they look to bounce back from a first-round exit against Sabino (2-1) a season ago.

Adysen Smith leads the Eagles with 22 goals this season. They open the playoffs against No. 15 Scottsdale Christian on Feb. 7.

Pusch Ridge (14-4-2, 4-0-1 3A South) enters the playoffs on a five-match winning streak. The Lions are No. 5 as they host No. 12 Gilbert Classical on Feb. 7.

Brian M. Bergner Jr. has covered professional, collegiate and high school sports for more than 20 years. Follow him on Twitter @AzPreps365Brian. Have a story idea? Email Brian at bbergner@azpreps365.com.