Loyal fans gathered in the cold and quiet Paint Branch stadium at 7 pm on September 25, to watch and support the Girls’ Varsity Soccer team as they took  on the powerful Quince Orchard High School Cougars.

Going into the game with a record of 2-4-1, the Panthers had their work cut out for them against the undefeated Cougars. Asked if the team could pull off a miracle and get a victory, coach Prietz replied, “Let’s just say last year they beat us twelve to zero. But we’re also better than last year.”

However, with starting defender  Janice Fiallos injured and sitting out the game the girls were at a slight disadvantage from the jump.

As the announcer finished his famous line, “…please remember these students are not professional athletes…” the game proceeded with QO possessing  the ball first. This immediately had everyone questioning the announcer’s previous statement as the Cougars had a professional feel to their game from the start. Not even twelve minutes into the game, Paint Branch senior goalkeeper  Jennifer Ngo, dove into the brand new turf in a futile attempt to save the Cougars’ first goal of many.  Only moments later another setback came to the Panthers when starting senior mid-fielder Lydia Wood took a hard hit and then took to the bench for the rest of the game.

Despite  QO adding two more goals in the following 12 minutes, Paint Branch held their fight; holding strong on their offensive side of the f field  until halftime, leaving the score at Quince Orchard 3, Paint Branch 0.

After the ten minute break, PB started with the ball. Starting senior forward, Fatima Rivas led the Panthers into what seemed like hope with a weave through a total of 3 Cougars and eventually taking her team’s first shot attempt on the Cougars’ goalie. Sadly, she could not finish on the play  and QO took back control, scoring their fourth goal of the game only two minutes into the second half.

It was all downhill from there as QO managed to score a goal about every three minutes. Although the score says otherwise, PB kept up their end of the battle by once again holding them off until the last whistle blew.  While the final score read  Quince Orchard 9, Paint Branch 0, the Panther girls put forth a strong effort

The cold night just couldn’t seem to stop QO girls from being on fire and neither could PB. However, with remarkable efforts and attitudes from the Lady Panthers there is no doubt that these girls will be able to get another win just beyond the horizon.