Game Reviews, March 26th-April 15th

Big thanks to MJ Bumgarner for compiling the game reviews!

Tuesday, March 26th:  Chapel Hill, Home

Shinnick found the back of the net against Chapel Hill

On Tuesday, March 26th, the Chapel Hill Tigers came to Panther territory.  At the end of the nine weeks, the Panthers were pretty beat.  Injuries had accumulated and the team was ready for a much-needed Spring Break.  Varsity lost by 9, but not without slipping in a goal on the Tigers.  The goal was scored by Rachel Shinnick after collecting it off of a goal kick.  (Post-game note: Shinnick is the only player in the conference not on Cardinal Gibbons to score on Chapel Hill this season.  Great job, Rachel!)

Tuesday, April 9th:  Southern Vance, Away

After a jubilant spring break in Montreat, NC, the Varsity team traveled up to Southern Vance to capitalize on all the hard work and sweat they put in during their time off.  Although the Panthers practiced all week, climbed mountains, and ran trails, they started out slow against Southern Vance.  After about twenty minutes into the first half, Viviane Feldman found the back of the net off of a bent kick from the goal line. Shortly after the first goal, Devon Allen scored, assisted by Feldman, and Rachel Shinnick scored assisted by Grace Lamay. The Panthers were stringing along strong passes and were playing to feet. However, the Panthers were not playing the way they faced. After half time, the Panthers changed the line up a little dramatically by putting Feldman in goal and Madison Chandler and MJ Bumgarner as forwards. Quick into the second half, Natalie Hartmond and Ashley Blakemore both got goals for the Panthers. Rowan Jaynes, usually a defender, played outside right midfield for the first time for the Panthers. Rowan scored and was assisted by Bumgarner. Madison, usually the Panthers goalkeeper, assisted a goal to MJ and then MJ assisted a goal to Madison. All five seniors scored for the Panthers. The last and final goal was made by Rachel Shinnick.

Wednesday, April 10th:  J.F. Webb, Home

On April 10th, a beautiful Wednesday afternoon, Webb traveled to Hillsborough to play the Panthers. The JV team started out and ended strong. The JV Panthers won 7-0 against Webb.  The JV team strung together connecting passes which allowed them to find the back of the net.  

Pumped off of JV's win, the Varsity team started out strong as well. The Panthers were playing to feet and checking to the ball. With speedy forwards, Webb slipped through the Panthers' defense and scored. Reacting to being down one goal, the Panthers started playing more tough. Rachel Shinnick was able to make it through the Webb defense and score. Now with the game tied, both teams were eager to score. Webb had another breakaway and scored one more time on the Panthers. Transitioning to a more offensive line up once again, the Panthers gave the ball to Rachel who scored right before the half ended. In the second half, both teams were playing aggressively and multiple injuries occurred for both teams. A foul was called in front of the Panthers goal letting Webb have a free kick. A Webb player held the ball while the other teammate ran around the wall, received a pass, and shot a ball into the goal. With the Panthers down a goal, they started picking the pace of the game up. However, the Panthers were unable to get another goal. The final score of the game was 3-2, with Webb taking home the victory.  

Monday, April 15th:  Northern Vance, Away

Hartmond added the last goal against N. Vance

The Varsity Panthers traveled to Northern Vance on April 15th. Having a strong warm up, the Panthers took the field where they held possession of the ball. In previous practices, the Panthers worked on crossing the ball to feet in front of the goal. The Panthers applied what they had practiced onto the field during the Northern Vance game. Devon Allen, playing outside right mid, was making great crosses to the Panthers forwards and other mids while receiving and shooting the ball as well. While the Northern Vance team has a great goalkeeper, Allen was able to soar a ball past her to take a 1-0 lead. Shortly after the first goal, Lexi Moyer also found the back of the net leaving the score at half time 2-0. The Panthers came out after half time strong. By playing two-touch, the Panthers were able to keep the ball on Northern Vance's half. Rachel Shinnick and Natalie Hartmond both had beautiful goals in the second half sending the Panthers home with a 4-0 win.