Elsah, ILL. -- The Panthers took the field for their last game of the season at home today. They faced off against the MacMurray College Highlanders. It took the Panthers 45 minutes to find their stride and rhythm as the Highlanders used their physicality to thwart the Panthers' attacks. A long and high shot from a Highlander in the first 15 minutes of the half put them up 1-0. The Panthers struggled to connect any goal scoring opportunities in the final third.
Brittany Ouellette, had one free shot from 30 yards out and played a beautiful ball to the top right corner, yet the Highland keeper was able to make a reaching save before it hit net. The Panthers were trailing 0-1 at the half.
After regrouping, the Panthers came out with a completely different mentality. Their passes and plays were more purposeful. Pinging the ball around until it found senior, Madi Arens, who then took on the Highlander defense numerous times, slotting the ball to teammates sitting in the box. Sadly, the Panthers were not able to capitalize on these opportunities. In the 67
th minute, the Panthers would finally catch their break, as Arens, once again, took on the Highlander defense, this time, taking it all the way getting tripped up in the box and blocked by the Highlander keeper but teammate
Skyla Luciani had followed Arens and was in perfect position to find the back of the net and tie the game 1-1. The Panthers continued to attack with great force but would found themselves unable to convert another opportunity. The Highlanders got one more goal in the 76
th minute off an own goal by the Panthers from a corner kick.
It was a devastating end to the Panthers' season, but hopefully it fuels the team to get better.
We want to thank Senior Madi Arens for all she's given to our program for the past 4 years. She has been a consistent example of grit and grace and will be greatly missed on the field.
