Josh Jones is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Mountain Pointe High School for AZPreps365.com. 

Mountain Pointe Pride girls soccer looks to cap off its best season since 2019-20 in a matchup against the Ironwood Eagles at 6 p.m. Monday in Glendale. The Pride have an overall record of 4-7 and look to add one more win in their final game.

Mountain Pointe ranks fifth in the 5A San Tan region with a regional record of 1-4. The Pride have had notable wins throughout the season, including a 3-2 overtime victory over McClintock on Dec. 19 and a 9-1 victory over South Mountain on Jan. 12.

Ironwood holds a 4-7 record and ranks fourth in the 5A Northwest region. Mountain Pointe has its eyes set on the Eagles and hopes to bring a full effort to the pitch on Monday.

“I want to see our team finishing the last game of the season strong, on a good note, playing hard and showing the passion, heart and love for the game that I know this program has,” said Mountain Pointe coach Christina Daigle. “Hopefully it gives us a glimpse at what we could see next year with this program.”

Defenseman Elon Stinson wants to see a full effort Monday night. Stinson had a hard-fought game at Campo Verde on Thursday night.

“I just want us all to be able to work together and give 100% effort,” said Stinson. “We’ll have times where we give 50% effort and in the second half, we’ll pick it up. I want to be able to give 100% in the first and second half.”

Effort has been the Pride's biggest struggle, Daigle said. The team has had a few high-margin losses that have served as learning opportunities. The team has reflected on the tougher moments and realizes what it needs to do.

“It’s going to be difficult and there are going to be times where the other team is the better team,” said Stinson.

“The grit, the willingness to put in 100% for everybody is our overall struggle,” said Daigle. “When everybody shows up and they have heart, and they're ready to play and put it all on the line for each other, we get the results that we’re looking for.”

The Pride are coming off an 8-0 loss at Campo Verde. Despite the score, the team’s leading scorer, forward Haley Jeske, was a notable presence on the field. Jeske looks forward to playing her last game at Ironwood before she graduates.

“Honestly, I’m looking forward to just playing with my friends for the last time, being a senior,” Jeske said. “Coming to this program as a freshman, it kind of feels surreal that it went by this fast, but I am looking forward to hopefully ending the season on a good note.”

There are six seniors on the roster, including Stinson and goalkeeper Charlotte Morrison.

With a win Monday night, Mountain Pointe could tie its previous five-win season back in 2017-18.