Senior Captain Teagan Jurek scored two goals against Chanhassen. (Photo by Caty Mawing Photography)
The Prior Lake girls’ soccer team faced stiff competition this past week, beginning with a matchup against Lakeville North on Monday, Sept. 8.
It marked the second varsity start in goal for eighth-grader Ava Pingel, against one of the section’s strongest opponents. Despite a solid defensive effort, the Lakers fell 2-0. Pingel’s composure and saves throughout the match earned her Player of the Game honors.
Two nights later, on Sept. 10, the Lakers matched up against Rosemount, the now ranked No. 3 in the state, at Dan Patch Stadium. Rosemount’s star forward, Kendall Grate, one of Minnesota’s leading scorers, delivered a dominant performance with a hat trick. The Irish handed Prior Lake a 4–0 defeat, but junior Toni Fisher was recognized as Player of the Game for her hard work and energy against a talented opponent.
Finally, on Saturday, Sept. 13, the Lakers traveled to Chanhassen for a key section opponent matchup. The game was intense from start to finish. After falling behind 2-0 at halftime, Prior Lake battled back with two goals from Teagen Jurek, and one from Lauren Schindler. However, Chanhassen regained momentum late and secured a 4–3 victory. Jurek’s two-goal performance earned her Player of the Game honors, while Paige Layman contributed two assists and Ali Torres added one.
The Lakers, now ranked No. 11 in the state with a season record of 6-3-1, look to regroup this week as they continue conference play. The team traveled to face Lakeville South on Tuesday, Sept. 16, before returning home for two marquee matchups. On Thursday, Sept. 18, Prior Lake hosts Eagan, the fifth-ranked team in Minnesota, at 5:30 pm, followed by another challenge on Saturday, Sept. 20, against Minnetonka, currently ranked No. 4 in the state at 1 p.m. at Dan Patch Stadium.