The report says Lake Stevens controlled much of the first half but struggled to break through Arlington’s deep defensive shape. Judith Roehl struck the post from a corner, while Arlington goalkeeper Ellie Reed and defender Kenna Langford helped preserve the deadlock.
Banks had already gone close before the interval, but the decisive moment arrived in the 49th minute. After coach Sam Ford asked his team to play more directly, Banks ran on to Ari Underwood’s pass, split two defenders and finished on the move.
It was the kind of decisive action Lake Stevens needed in a match where its attacking pressure did not always produce clean finishing.
The reported result carries extra weight because Lake Stevens is beginning a new league campaign after losing several key figures from its 2024 state championship team. Banks and Noelani Tupua are now among the senior forwards expected to carry greater responsibility, while younger players are being asked to settle into bigger roles quickly.
The defense provided the platform. Goalkeeper Jersie Olsen reportedly smothered a Kennedy Baggen chance, and sophomore defender Sami Heininger stopped Kinley Koontz from breaking through late in the contest.
“Because they're trying to push you, you just got to defend,” Roehl said.
That response was tested as Arlington pressed for an equaliser, but Lake Stevens held firm through full-time.
The Vikings will know there is room to sharpen their finishing, yet the opening win offers an encouraging foundation. Banks supplied the moment of quality, while Roehl, Heininger and Olsen helped protect it.
The next league outing will show whether Lake Stevens can turn this hard-earned result into momentum-and whether its younger contributors can keep growing around Banks and Tupua.