Mariah Whitaker knew the Irish were capable.
Whitaker, a forward for the Cathedral High School girls soccer team and one of a group of seniors who has helped build a solid program into a state power, knew the Irish this year had the talent to win a state title. And the experience.
She knew, too, the confidence was there.
Still, Whitaker and Irish coach Marc Behringer each knew from experience those things aren't enough, and that that's what makes the state tournament an uncertain situation.