An undefeated record always turns heads, but for the 9-0 Patriot girls varsity lacrosse team, the story goes deeper than the numbers in the win column—it’s about how those wins have come together.

Through trust, consistency, and a genuine connection on and off the field, the team has built a perfect record heading into its biggest test yet: tomorrow night’s showdown with Eureka, the No. 2 team in the area.

For assistant coach Dave Richardson, success starts long before the opening draw.

“The key to girls’ lacrosse success is camaraderie and trust,” Richardson said. “They work really, really well together.”

That chemistry shows up everywhere, but especially on defense, where Richardson said he spends most of his time. With a high-powered opponent ahead, the preparation has sharpened.

“This whole week has been focused on Eureka,” Richardson said. “We’ve been watching film, scouting, and preparing for what they do. They’re a juggernaut—it’s going to be our toughest game yet.”

Even with the spotlight growing, the message from the coaching staff hasn’t changed according to Richardson.

“We’re not looking beyond Eureka,” Richardson said. “It’s about focusing on what we need to do and getting better every day.”

That mindset carries into the locker room according to senior Ella Foresman. Foresman believes the undefeated record brings confidence—but not comfort.

“It feels good. It gives us a lot of hope,” Foresman said. “We know Eureka is strong, but we also know what we’re capable of.”

In fact, unlike South, Eureka does have a blemish on its record. The 12-1 Wildcats lost to John Burroughs by 1 goal to John Burroughs, April 15. Their team is led by No. 11, senior Amelia Craig, who has 38 goals on the season.

The Patriots’ positive attitude going into tomorrow night’s game comes from a season built on staying steady, even when things get tense.

“The key has been staying connected and knowing when to take a step back instead of getting in our heads,” Foresman said.

Preparation for this matchup has gone beyond the usual routine. Players on both sides of the field have spent time studying the Wildcats’ tendencies, making sure nothing catches them off guard.

“We’ve been working on different sets and looking at how they play, so nothing surprises us,” Foresman said.

Richardson said the Patriots will need plenty of offense from senior players Abby Karl and Abby Eickhoff. Karl leads the team with 33 goals on the season and has 100 for her career, and Eickhoff has reached the back of the net 19 times for the Patriots. Lana Korte is only a freshman, but she sports 22 goals on the varsity team this year. Sophomore Alexis Wright has also been a goal-scorer all season and has 20 so far.  

Junior Bri Clifton believes what separates this team isn’t just talent and goal scoring—it’s accountability.

“We play for each other,” Clifton said. “We hold each other accountable, and we always give everything we have.”

For Clifton, a win against Eureka tomorrow night would carry weight beyond the scoreboard.

“It would mean everything,” Clifton said. “We’ve had people doubt us, so winning would prove who we really are as a team.”

A big part of that identity starts in the goal circle. With 300-plus saves under her belt, goalie Natalie Parra has been a cornerstone of the team’s success, giving the defense a steady presence behind them, according to Foresman.

“We rely on her heavily,” Foresman said. “She’s a huge part of why we’re undefeated.”

Clifton pointed to more than just Parra’s saves.

“She’s always there for us, and she makes big saves when we need them,” Clifton said. “We know we can trust her.”

Defender Tori Knowles says that trust changes everything.

“She’s our last line of defense, and she’s amazing at what she does,” Knowles said. “It gives us confidence knowing she’s back there.”

Still, the team knows what’s coming.

“My expectation is just to compete and not let it get out of hand,” Knowles said. “We have a strong defense, and that’s one of our best qualities.”

Richardson didn’t sugarcoat the challenge.

“We have to play almost flawlessly,” he said. “If we make mistakes, they’ll capitalize on them.”

And while this game stands on its own, the bigger picture is impossible to ignore. A win could push Parkway South closer to a top-16 finish, setting up a first-round bye and a stronger path in districts.

“This is a huge focal point of our season,” Richardson said.

When asked to describe the team in one word, the answers said everything.

“History,” Richardson said.
“Excellent,” Forsman added.
“Unbreakable,” Clifton said.
“Friendship,” Knowles finished.

Undefeated. And still writing their story. A major part of that story will be written tomorrow night at 6 p.m. at Eureka High School.