Game Reviews: April 17th-April 29th

Thanks again for the reviews, MJ!

Weds., April 17th: Chapel Hill, Away

The Panthers traveled to Chapel Hill Wednesday, April 17th to play the Tigers for the second time. The Junior Varsity team started out strong by keeping possession and staying on the Tigers' half. Kaela Lane had a beautiful shot that hit the cross ball in the first half of the game. Elizabeth Oeien had a beautiful shot during the first half as well. The Junior Varsity team played a tough game but unfortunately came out with a loss. The final score of their game was 5-0.

Barbee, GK

The Varsity Panthers started out strong during warm ups. By changing the warm up a tad, the Panthers managed to get more touches on the ball while moving. The warm up also allowed the Panthers to check to the ball when trapping which was very important for the game against the Tigers. The Panthers started off shaky at kick off by letting in two quick goals. However, the Panthers bounced back and started playing their game. Even though at the end of the first half the score was 7-0, the score did not represent how the Panthers were playing. The Panthers were shutting down runs, cutting off crosses, checking to the ball, and playing aggressive. After a much-needed half time, the Panthers came out strong and gave the Tigers a run for their money. Megan Joyner was in control of the middle of the field distributing the ball to the strikers. The defense was playing high, catching girls off side. Beth Barbee and Madison Chandler both played exceptionally well throughout the game. At the end of the second half the final score was 8-0. The Panthers only allowed one goal during the second half. The Panthers walked off the field knowing that they played their game their way. 

Monday, April 22nd: Cardinal Gibbons, Away, JV: L: 7-0, V: L: 9-0

Monday, April 29th: J.F. Webb, Away 

Monday, April 29, the Panthers set out to Oxford to play J.F.Webb for a final time. JV came out strong and stayed in control of the game. Junior, Elizabeth Oeien made a hat trick (three goals) in the first half of the game allowing the Panthers to have a steady lead.

Blakemore had the hustle play that led to the 1-0 win for the Panthers

Varsity started the game a little slow, allowing Webb to make some crosses across the Panthers' goal. However, the Panthers quickly picked up the pace of play and started playing possession. While both teams were evenly matched, the Panthers were winning fifty-fifty balls, checking to the ball, and passing to feet. At the end of the half, the score was 0-0. Still with the taste of their previous late-game loss to Webb in their mouths, the Panthers were on a mission; a mission to win. The second half began and the Panthers were in control. Their defense was
keeping the line high and catching girls offsides. The midfield was shutting down balls and keeping it on Webb's half. The forwards were making great runs and beautiful shots on goal. With five minutes remaining, junior Ashley Blakemore, who had been having her best game all season, battled the Webb goalkeeper and they both went down.  Ashley barely won possession and got the ball off to teammate Devon Allen.  With the keeper out, Allen sent a quick cross to the goal.  Sophomore Rachel Shinnick crashed the goal and sent the Panthers into a 1-0 lead. With less than five minutes left in the game, the Panthers kept possession, allowing the clock to run out. The Panthers left everything on the field.