ALLEMAN — Eighth-ranked North Polk broke open a scoreless contest with two quick goals in the second half to fuel a 4-0 win in their Class 1A Region 3 Semifinal with visiting Panorama Friday.
The Comets (14-4) scored from in close just over three minutes into the second half, then scored off a corner kick. A foul in the box led to a successful penalty kick not quite midway through the half, with the hosts tacking on a final goal to end the scoring.
North Polk has allowed only 10 goals all season, with 13 of their 14 wins shut out triumphs.
Panorama bows out at 11-6, with the Panthers drawing praise from co-head coach Curt Thornberry.
“This was a strong showing from the defense despite the score,” he said. “Bryn (Steffen) played outstanding and Jaelyn (Waddle) was very strong in the midfield. Ashley Clark had several really good, tough saves.”
All three players are seniors, and they, along with Kennedy Kuta, Emily Smith, Erica Block and Maise Knapp will depart after helping the Panthers finish a combined 23-11 in the first two seasons at the school.
Panorama outscored their opponents 72-26 this season and by a combined 165-68 in the two-year span.
Thornberry and Brandon Waddle serve as co-head coaches for the Panthers.
