Lillie Watson scored 15 goals as a sophomore, finishing second in Region 3 and 10th in Class 6A points. Now a junior, she leads a Lehi Pioneer girls soccer squad that third-year coach Jonas Hartmann calls a legitimate state-tournament contender heading into the Tuesday, Aug. 4, season opener at Bountiful.

"I am very excited about the talent we possess this year, and I expect us to be a serious contender," Hartmann told Lehi Free Press. "We have excellent quality up and down the roster and each player brings something significant to the team."

Watson also led the Pioneers in assists (four) last fall. She won't carry the attack alone. Junior Aly Badger, who recorded two goals and three assists last season, anchors the midfield and doubles as a first-level defender. Senior Ashley Gardner shifts from the backline to left wing after posting three assists in 2025, while junior Tessa Richards takes the right side after scoring three goals and adding two assists.

Hartmann named Syracuse, Davis, and Lone Peak as programs he expects to challenge for the 6A state title. He described Region 3 as a compact league where every match matters, predicting most will be decided by one or two goals.

That region gauntlet begins Tuesday, Sept. 1, when Lehi hosts Skyridge at 3:30 p.m. The Falcons enter the year under new head coach Jhoan Alvizo, who replaced retired Toby Peterson. In a separate Aug. 1 season preview, Alvizo called Region 3 "the region of death," saying the competition prepares his team for the postseason knockout stages.

Before league play, the Pioneers face 10 non-region contests. The opener kicks off at 7:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 4, at Bountiful. Lehi hosts Riverton on Thursday, Aug. 6, at 3:30 p.m., then welcomes Orem on Friday, Aug. 7, at 11 a.m.

Region 3 play opens Tuesday, Sept. 1, with Skyridge visiting Lehi at 3:30 p.m.