NEVADA — The Panorama girls soccer team played a pair of contests at the Nevada Invitational Saturday, finishing with a split decision.
Southeast Polk was a 7-0 winner over Panorama for the Panthers, but the squad responded to claim a 4-1 victory over Ballard. Matches were played with two 30-minute halves as opposed to the regular 40-minute half.
The annual senior trip sent the Panthers to Nevada somewhat short-handed, but MaKenna Woodvine opted to pass up the journey to play for the team.
Head coach Curt Thornberry said his team gained plenty of experience, especially in situations to which they had not yet been exposed this season, and also against a higher level of competition by playing the larger, more veteran teams. Every Panther who suited was able to see extended playing time, another advantage to making the trip, he reported.
Junior Ashley Clark tended goal for the first half of both games, but then moved to a defender position, allowing freshman Lauren Soll to gain important experience between the pipes.
SE Polk scored five first-half goals en route to their win, with Panorama grabbing a 1-0 lead against Ballard with a goal in the first minute of play. The Panthers led, 3-0, before the Bombers scored, but Panorama responded with a final goal to create the 4-1 final.
Both Audrey and Paige Cmelik scored for Panorama, with Jaelyn Waddle and Deanna Solorzano also beating the Ballard keeper.
Panorama returns to action Thursday when they host Treynor at 5 p.m. The Panther boys will play the Cardinals at 7 p.m. in the nightcap.
