State tournament action begins today for the Pella Lady Dutch soccer team. This is the 12th time Pella has advanced to the final eight teams.

Junior striker Grace Held tells KNIA/KRLS Sports the key to success against good teams is to handle the ball well and keep the pressure on the net.

“A key to any team’s success is possessing the ball, and we try and make that a key every game,” she says. “And then being the aggressor on the field and always taking it to our opponent so we can have the best outcome possible.”

Xavier has had Pella’s number in state — going 3-0 against the Lady Dutch at the Cownie Sports Complex, with 2013 the last time the pair met. Pella is also playing for the chance to appear in their 7th semifinals contest.

We will have live updates from the game from 2 to 4:30 p.m. on 92.1 KRLS.