The Juanita Bees, a girls U17 team in the Lake Washington Youth Soccer Association, defeated Team United, 2-0, Nov. 18 at Eastlake High and will advance to state as the District 2 champions for the fourth straight year.

The Bees netted both goals in the first half with Mackenzie Burke scoring first on a breakaway after a beautiful lead pass from Emily Nikolai. Samantha Henry later lifted a shot just over the keeper for an insurance goal before halftime.

Defense was the name of the game for the Bees as keeper Katelyn Higgins knocked away multiple shots throughout the night, supported by strong backline play from Natalie Sauze, Ritika Managuli and Rebecca Winkler. Every girl contributed in this well-played match.

The state championship game will be played Dec. 9 at the Starfire Complex in Tukwila. This marks the fourth straight season the Bees (7-3-1 league record) have advanced to state as champions of District 2, and a chance to defend the state title after a championship in 2017.

The team is made up of Juanita High area girls and is coached by Chris Burke and Nelson Taggart. Many have been playing together for about 10 years.