Estrella Foothills varsity soccer team lives by its motto - protect the “den”- as it enters the playoffs.

“I don’t want to lose in my home field,” defender Justine Rios said.

Confidence and redemption are fueling the 4A Southwest division team.

“Getting them stronger and mentally prepared in a sense,” assistant coach Aaron Mendez said, “They know that playoffs are no joke and every team is going to be a lot better, a lot faster.”

 The Lady Wolves earned the No. 3 seed in the 4A conference after they ran away with the Southwest Division and a perfect 14-0 overall record.

That means a home game against Apache Junction. Although the Wolves have earned a higher seed, they are not ready to take any school lightly.

“It doesn’t matter if it is the best team or the worst, we’re going to do our best and prepare,” said junior Anita Moreno.

The team has a common goal in mind to accompany its perfect regular season record- a state championship.

“I believe we’re going to go all the way. I believe in this team so much,” said senior Halee Yeager.

“We all definitely want to win state,” added  Rios.

After leaving the team earlier this season to welcome a new baby, coach Rosie Mendez is back and ready to lead her team on her third playoff run in the last four years.

“I was scared this season because I feel like we weren’t as talented, but I told them we might not be as talented, but I promise you, work hard and you’ll beat the talent,” coach Mendez said.

That talent includes defending champion Salpointe Catholic and current No. 1 seed Flagstaff, the team that eliminated Estrella Foothills last season.

That loss in the quarterfinals looms in the minds of the returning Estrella players.

“We’re definitely gunning for Flagstaff,” Rios said.

Yeager added: “Everyone is more worried about playing Flagstaff, we’re all focused on that game.”

The first step for the Wolves path to the state championship is defeating Apache Junction at home on Tuesday, a team that finished their season with a 17-4-1 record and the No. 14 seed in the tourney.

“The nerves are going to be there but being at home makes it that much better,” Aaron Mendez said.