Sunny skies and a quiet atmosphere set the perfect stage for the girls 6A soccer state championship game between No. 1 Perry and No. 2 Pinnacle Friday afternoon at Mesa High School.

As expected, the silence didn't last long.

A spirited pregame chant from the Pioneers ignited the crowd before kickoff, and soon afterward, cries of, “Let's go to war!” echoed from the Pumas’ side of the bleachers.

The stakes couldn't have been higher for Perry - a program that came came up short in all five of its past championship appearances. 

The Pumas suffered several years as runner-ups when it mattered most, but the sixth time was finally the charm. Perry beat Pinnacle 3-2, winning its first title in program history off of a final minute goal from senior Saydie Herbert.

“It's not just for this year, it's for all the years and all of the kids who have been here,” said an emotional Kete Meskill, Perry's soccer coach. “This is for all of the kids who have gone to this final with us and haven't been able to get it. We did it for the whole program.”

Pinnacle's offense looked dangerous within the first few minutes, but Perry's defense held strong.

Eventually, the Pumas found their footing and came up with the contest's first shot on goal, but freshman Pinnacle goalkeeper Siena Surdakowski made a diving save to keep the scoreboard empty.

A well placed shot from freshman midfielder Gwyn Leitner gave the Pioneers the first score of the game at the 19 minute mark.

Eleven minutes later, the ball found the back of Perry's net once more when Pinnacle (19-7-2) junior midfielder Ashlynn Corupe launched it from range.

Perry (15-6-1) fans had little to cheer for until the final five minutes of the first half, when goals from sophomore Layla Deleon and Herbert tied it up at 2-2.

Puma faithfuls displayed no shortage of passion heading into the half. Enthusiastic stomps and shouts carried on well after each score.

Neither team saw the same success on offense in the second half.

Perry put up several shots that barely missed, prompting flashbacks of disappointing results in seasons past. 

As time wound down, every muscle in the crowd was tensed, and several spectators repeatedly muttered, “Next score wins it.”

They were right.

With one minute remaining, a clear shot opened up for Herbert, and she didn't waste it.

“You go down 2-0 and you think it's done,“ Meskill said. “For them to fight all the way until the last minute, and for (Herbert) to hit that banger at the last minute was just the epitome of what this year's been. We just haven't given up.”

Years of long-awaited emotions poured out of Puma players, staff and fans alike as the final 60 seconds ticked away and it all sank in.

Perry finally got it done.