The Lady Vikes of Warren Central demonstrated significant progress over the past year, culminating in a fiercely contested match against the defending state champions. In stark contrast to their 7-0 defeat by Saltillo last year, the 2025 season saw the team go head-to-head with their formidable opponents. Despite falling short with a 3-2 loss on Friday night, the Lady Vikes showcased remarkable improvement and resilience.

Coach Jeremy Lawrence praised his team’s performance, highlighting the substantial growth they had made. “We came out strong and gave it our all, but maintaining that intensity proved challenging,” he remarked. The coach expressed immense pride in witnessing the players’ development from where they started to their current level. Warren Central kicked off the game with impressive momentum, scoring two goals early on. Jordan Polk netted the first goal within the opening minute, followed by Brooke Steed extending their lead. However, Saltillo managed to respond before halftime, setting the stage for an intense second half.

The defense played a pivotal role as both teams exchanged attacks vigorously. A penalty kick at the 21-minute mark brought the game to a tie. With just 13 minutes remaining, Saltillo secured the winning goal, ultimately claiming the North State Championship title. Although Warren Central fell short, this achievement marked the first time in two consecutive years that the team (18-6-1) advanced to the North State tournament. Coach Lawrence acknowledged the loss of seven seniors but remained optimistic about the talent remaining on the roster.

The 2025 season was a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Lady Vikes. Their ability to compete against top-tier opponents reflects not only their improved skills but also their unwavering spirit. This journey highlights the importance of perseverance and continuous improvement, qualities that will undoubtedly serve the team well in future endeavors.