Panthers stumble against Eastern Alamance

Thursday, March 7th
The Panthers traveled to Eastern Alamance for their second game of the season on another cold night.  Although the JV team lost to Eastern Alamance 6-0, they move into a tough practice Friday afternoon with specific corrections to focus on before their weekend of rest.

Shinnick lines up for a shot

The Varsity Panthers followed up the JV team, taking the field for about ten minutes before kickoff.  Hungry to come out on top after a close match against Northern Durham, they played with high first-half intensity and dominated the play of the game.  Rachel Shinnick put the Panthers up midway through the first half with a tight move that crossed the ball over to her left foot, where she sliced a shot across the goal and hit the far net.  Screams of "Happy Birthday" soon followed and the Panthers went into halftime leading 1-0.

The team slipped somewhat in the second half, not winning as many 50/50 balls and not playing passes on the ground as much as they had in the first half.  Despite multiple close chances on goal, they couldn't finish a second goal.  With 12 minutes left to play, a speedy Eastern Alamance player slipped through the Panthers defense and slid a low shot in past keeper Madison Chandler.

The team switched to a more offensive lineup, hoping to take the lead.  After some close shots and an extremely close corner kick opportunity, with two minutes left to play, the Alamance Eagles were awarded a penalty kick for a handball in the box.  Despite a solid dive from goalkeeper Madison Chandler, the Eagles went up 2-1 after scoring the PK and took home the win.  After the game, Coach Daly discussed "controlling what you can and being graceful about what you can't," and the team traveled home.

Rowan Jaynes, POTG

The Player of the Game was newcomer Rowan Jaynes, who, on top of her growing tenacity, willingness to learn, positive attitude, and overall athleticism, saved at least two shots that were near goals.  One took place after she made a sprinting run all the way across the field to legally slide tackle an Alamance player rearing to take a shot.  The second save came after Jaynes held her post on a corner kick and then leapt into the air to head away a ball that would have assuredly been an Eagle goal.  Great game, Bowman Jayner!

The teams both practice today until 5:45 and will then attend the Tree Dedication Ceremony for Kacie Chamberlain at 6pm at the softball field.

We hope you'll join us next week for three Varsity games and one JV game!