Panthers down warriors for conference win

By Robert Whitmire

The SPASH Panthers picked up a 2-0 win over Wausau West in Wisconsin Valley Conference girls soccer play at the Portage County Youth Soccer Complex. The win leaves the Panthers with a 6-2-2 record overall, 1-0 in the conference.

West goalie Kayla Kovach took a shot from Abby Gemza on the left side but was unable to handle the ball cleanly. Senior midfielder Olivia Clemens lit up the board at the 50-minute mark of the second period, punching in the loose ball from the right side to put SPASH up 1-0.

Sophomore Grace Smith put the game away at the 78 minute mark of the half with a shot that cleared the near post from the right side.

West dodged a bullet when Gemza booted a free kick with 10 seconds remaining in the first period. Kovach went up high and was able to deflect the ball just over the crossbar to keep the Panthers off the board and the teams went to the halftime break scoreless.

Following a non-conference game at Marshfield on Friday, the Panthers return home to face the Tigers in a conference match-up on Tuesday, May 8. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the PCYS complex.