PANORA — The first season of girls soccer at Panorama last spring was a successful one at many levels, as several individuals posted outstanding numbers to help the team finish 12-5 overall.
Panorama outscored their opponents 80-41 last year. Senior goalie Ashley Clark returns for head coach Curt Thornberry, with sophomore keeper Lauren Soll also back. The former allowed 25 goals while making 110 saves, with the later yielding 12 scores while stopping 42 stops.
Fellow seniors Bryn Steffen, Taylor Rishel, Kennedy Kuta, Maise Knapp and Erica Block return for the Panthers, as does Jaelyn Waddle, who had three goals and 10 assists.
The four highest scoring players last year were all freshmen and now return for their second season.
Audrey Cmelik shredded opposing defenses for 25 goals and 10 assists, with Paige Cmelik burying 20 shots into the opposing net while distributing nine assists. Ella Waddle had 14 goals and 17 assists, with Deanna Solorzano scoring five times while passing out three assists.
A soccer-only sharing agreement with AC/GC will bring a few new faces to the Panther roster as the team looks to advance even deeper into the postseason.
Panorama shut out six opponents while being blanked themselves only twice. The team was 5-1 at home, outscoring their guests 42-16. The Panthers will have an excellent chance to start the season on an extended streak by hosting their first four opponents.
The Panorama boys host Tri-Center Thursday, with the girls beginning their campaign April 1 against Des Moines Hoover in the first of four consecutive coed twin billings in Panora. East Sac County will visist April 4 and Grandview Christian April 11, with Logan-Magnolia the guests April 16. Girls games begin at 5 p.m. with the boys playing at 7 p.m.
