The 2013 girls’ varsity soccer team ended its season in a 3-1 loss to rival Whitewater in the GHSA- Class AAAAA semifinal on Tuesday, May 14.
“It was tough loss for us, being so close to the end,” captain Sarah Yoss said. “I’m glad to have spent the season with my teammates and coaches.”
Having lost to the Wildcats in the regular season on penalty kicks (4-1), head coahc John Bowen knew it would be good game.
The Lady Panthers would strike first during the 10th minute with a header by junior Jenna Currin to give them a 1-0 lead. The defense, lead by sophomore goalie Paige Betsill, held off a heavy Whitewater attack for nearly 32 minutes until the Wildcats found the back of the net for the equalizer.
“We knew it was going to be a tough game,” Betsill said. “They just capitalized on their opportunities more.”
It was a slow start to the second half for the Lady Panthers, and Whitewater was quick to capitalize with a goal just over a minute in. Another Wildcat goal in the 48th minute had the Mill’s backline on its toes.
Sophomore Chayla Park provided defensive intensity to keep the Lady Panthers in the match. The midfielders received opportunities late into the 60th minute but the Whitewater defensive was denying everything in its zones. The final whistle blew just as the Lady Panthers began one final attack.
A Sweet 16 win over Riverwood on Friday, May 10 propelled the Lady Panthers into their Final Four appearance. An early 1-0 lead by a Currin header allowed the Lady Panthers to control the ball until the final six minutes of the first half. Park, a substitute, found a feed from Currin and blasted it just below the crossbar to secure confidence going into halftime.
The second half was controlled by the defense as junior Rachel Catlett led the backline to hold off the Raiders constant attacks. Controversy arose as Currin’s second goal was called back by a referee substitution error. The free kick was ordered to be retaken well after Currin’s goal was awarded. The Lady Panthers went on to retain possession and take the match 2-0 to advance.
“It was a good win for the defense,” Yoss said. “We played together as a team and it showed.”
The Lady Panthers end the 2013 campaign at 16-6-0 with an average of four goals a game. Bowen says he feels that there’s much to look forward to in the years to come.