Lady Wolves claim their spot 4A State Championships

After weeks of building, adjusting, and battling, the Green River Lady Wolves are heading to the 4A State Soccer Championships in Gillette with purpose and confidence.

Last week's Regional Tournament on home turf proved to be more than just an opportunity to advance; it was a showcase of growth, grit, and the kind of soccer that's been quietly forming since the early days of the season. In front of a packed home crowd, the Lady Wolves opened with urgency and composure, securing a postseason position with back-to-back wins.

Green River opened the weekend with a face-off against the Natrona County Fillies on Thursday. Battling till the end, the Lady Wolves won the game in overtime with a 5-4 victory. This secured their spot at the State tournament, with following games determining their seeded position.

The Lady Wolves took on the Kelly Walsh Lady Trojans Friday morning, and had a notable performance in the semifinal.

"That game really stands out," said Head Coach Matt Robles, reflecting on the victory over top-ranked Kelly Walsh. "The whole team played with so much heart and determination. And the crowd, especially the students, created an atmosphere that really elevated us."

It was only the second time all season that Kelly Walsh had been beaten, and the Lady Wolves didn't just keep up-they set the pace. Robles credits the team's success not to any single tactical shift, but to a mindset.

Whether it was the intensity of the win-or-go-home match against Natrona or the edge they brought into the semifinal against Kelly Walsh, the Lady Wolves understood exactly what it would take.

"In both of those games, we felt we were the team that pushed hardest to win," Robles said. "That's what it comes down to at this level."

The Lady Wolves finished their weekend of Regionals with a hard-fought game against the Jackson Lady Broncs, ultimately losing 7-1. Coming second in Regionals, the Lady Wolves will head to State as the No. 2 seed.

As the team prepares for the State Tournament, the focus has shifted to precision. This week's practices have emphasized cleaning up defensive lapses and improving composure in tighter spaces. While the foundation of their game - speed, tempo, and quick ball movement - remains unchanged, it's the attention to detail that could make the difference.

"We've been working on taking ownership in moments," said Robles. "We know how small breakdowns can turn into goals at this stage, so we've focused on correcting those areas."

Green River's style is distinct. Fast-paced, attacking, and cohesive, they've developed a rhythm that puts pressure on opponents and opens up scoring opportunities. And while familiar names like Isabel Vasco, Claira Kuball, Brynlee Cordova, and Brookelyn Phillips have continued to lead from the center of the field, Robles noted the rising role of Olivia Morris, whose contributions on the defensive end have become increasingly valuable.

"She's really stepped up," Robles said. "She's helped limit our opponents' attacking chances, and that's exactly what we need right now."

As the Lady Wolves head north, the message is clear: represent Green River, play their brand of soccer, and make it count.

"They've set the expectations," said Robles. "They're focused and they want to finish this the right way."

So what does it take to keep the season going?

"Heart and grit," Robles said plainly. "If we can stay locked in, stay true to who we are, and keep fighting through every minute, we give ourselves a real chance."

The first match kicks off today in Gillette. For the Lady Wolves, this isn't just about the pursuit of a championship. It's about showing up as the team they've worked tirelessly to become- confident, composed, and entirely their own.

They carry with them the support of their community, the lessons of a demanding season, and the belief that they belong among the best. Every minute on the field is a chance to honor that work and to play for something bigger than themselves.