Leah Pavlish’s biggest contribution to holding Eagan scoreless Tuesday night on its home field didn’t come from her hands.

Although the Prior Lake goalkeeper greatly impacted the game's outcome by making eight saves, Pavlish’s voice played the most significant role in keeping the Wildcats from finding the back of the net and ending their South Suburban Conference game with the Lakers in a 0-0 overtime tie.

Pavlish’s positive encouragement throughout the game gave the Lakers a competitive mentality that kept them in the game against an Eagan team that hasn’t lost in 30 games and is ranked No. 1 in the Class 2A coaches' poll. The Wildcats haven't been shut out since Oct. 3, 2013. 

“(Pavlish) is the kind of player whose entire presence rings like a bell,” Prior Lake coach Julie Lundquist said. “She is just positive, encouraging and confident in a very humble way.” 

The positive attitude provides the extra boost the Lakers (3-1-4) need when they’re in a close game. 

“It is really nice,” senior defenseman Becca Brinkley said. “It makes me want to try harder, not just for me, but for her too.” 

The sophomore goalie also isn’t afraid to tell her teammates exactly where she wants them. From yelling out “We’ve got this” to “We will win this game,” Pavlish's encouragement provides an edge her teammates and her coach said is greatly appreciated. 

And Pavlish makes sure her teammates know when they’ve made her happy. 

“She will call out commands, ask people to move,” Lundquist said. “Then she will also offer encouragement saying, ‘That’s perfect, that’s exactly where I need you.’”

One of two underclassman on the varsity roster, Pavlish has shown she isn’t afraid to lead the Lakers.

Whether it is a leadership activity or a rope course, Lundquist said she brings the same presence and attitude. 

“She is the one who is always looking out for other players on the team, lifting them up and bringing them along,” Lundquist said. “She is very confident and prepares hard.” 

And Pavlish needed confidence against Eagan. The Wildcats came in averaging nearly three goals per game, showcasing an offense with Texas Tech commit Jade King and her teammate Taylor Kenealy. 

King has seven goals and seven assists this season while Kenealy scored six goals in her last three games. 

Although Pavlish’s vocal leadership was key in the victory, make no mistake, her hands made a difference. 

From diving to push one ball past the post to jumping several feet in the air to stop a 35-yard kick, Pavlish turned away shot after shot - including several on net in the final minutes of regulation. 

“She’s like a spider monkey out there,” Brinkley said. “It is just awesome to watch her play.” 

Pavlish also watched strong play in front of her for most of the game. 

The Lakers defense rarely let Eagan set up a play. Brinkley was one of 2-3 defenders who always seemed to steal the ball when the Wildcats looked to shoot.

Pavlish wanted to make sure her teammates efforts were rewarded. 

“I knew how much my team sacrificed for me and I knew they had my back, so I knew I was gonna play well for them and have their back,” she said.

The key to Prior Lake’s defensive success? 

“There was always a Laker,” Lundquist said. “Someone would get beat and there was somebody there. There was always somebody there.” 

Much like the Lakers’ defensive strategy, Pavlish is always there with her hands and her voice. 

“She is just so good,” Brinkley said. “I love having her back there.”

Prior Lake goalkeeper Leah Pavlish made eight saves to hold Eagan scoreless for the first time since Oct. 3, 2013 as the Lakers and the Wildcats played to a 0-0 overtime tie in a South Suburban Conference game at Eagan High School on Tuesday. 

In the first half, Prior Lake showcased its strong defense. The Lakers (3-1-4), ranked No. 14 in the Class 2A coaches' poll, rarely let Eagan set up a play, keeping in check Texas Tech commit Jade King and teammate Taylor Kenealy, who has six goals in her last three games. 

The No. 1-2A Wildcats (7-0-1) opened the second half with two corner kicks in the first five minutes. Although both were solid scoring opportunities, neither ended in a goal. 

Eagan threatened to score with 1:38 remaining in regulation, but King’s kick hit the Prior Lake crossbar and neither she nor Eagan could put the ball in the net.  

Goalkeeper Jordyn Clark finished with six saves as the Wildcats recorded their second tie in the past 25 regular-season games and extended their unbeaten streak to 30 games. 

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