It was a great evening for soccer as the SMHS Lady Panthers traveled to Kingston for the district semi-finals, but dropped a 3-1 decision to the Lady Yellow Jackets.

SMHS has been playing well, but knew going into the match that they would have to play well against a very strong Kingston squad. The match started out with Kingston playing very quick, aggressive attacking soccer.

During the first 10 minutes Kingston pinned the Lady Panthers deep in their own end, requiring senior keeper and co-captain Whitleigh Sherrill to make a number of tough saves.

Kingston came out playing very well, being first to the ball. After punching the ball past Sherrill in the 13th minute, it looked to be a long evening for the ladies from SMHS. But after the score the Lady Panthers regrouped, redoubled their efforts and began to move the ball back to the middle of the field, becoming more physical, more aggressive, and more organized on the offense.

They began to attack, matching Kingston's pace. After a hard-fought 12-minute stretch, sophomore midfielder Patti Jordan was able to beat the tough Kingston defense and bang the ball past the keeper to knot the match at 1-1.

Over the last 15 minutes of the half, both teams went back and forth being unable to get the go-ahead goal. It looked like the match would move into the half tied, but a beautiful Kingston shot scraped off the crossbar and fell into the SMHS net during the last minute, putting the ladies one goal behind as the whistle blew.

A goal like that can often be a back breaker, but starting the second half, SMHS came out strong and aggressive looking to tie the match.

Run after run was made on both sides. Kingston pushed the ball deep, only to have the SMHS defense make the stop and send it back towards the Kingston goal.

Time after time, Whitleigh Sherrill would get into good position, deflect, block, or catch the Kingston offering.

On the other side, the Kingston keeper played just as well, making a host of saves on shots from forwards Rebecca Gonzalez and Brittany Wilson, and midfielders Patricia Evans, Patti Jordan, Chrissy Cooper, and senior co-captain Chelsea Holder.

On several occasions it looked like the Lady Panthers were sure to get the tying goal only to have Kingston's keeper make another excellent play.

The SMHS defense played better and better as the match went on with stopper Meagan McCoy, backs Kelsey VanNatter and Ashley Sherrill, along with sweeper/co-captain Kat Thompson making more plays and giving the offense better chances to push forward.

Going into the last 10 minutes, SMHS really pushed the pace and got several great chances. In the 32nd minute, Kingston was able to get a third goal off a header from a perfect corner. Over the last eight minutes, the Lady Panthers fought valiantly, but Kingston held on to finish the game with a 3-1 victory.

While one never wants to lose a match, or see the season end, it is hard to be disappointed with the Lady Panthers' effort or the improvement this season. The Lady Panthers lost six starters from last season. So going from a 2-9-1 record and eighth-place district finish to 9-4-2 record and a third-place district finish speaks volumes about the hard work and dedication that the Ladies in black have shown this year.

Special recognition for the five seniors is well deserved.

Co-captain midfielder Chelsea Holder leaves, having started every game during her four years. She has played through illness and injury, and has worked hard to make herself into an excellent player.

Co-captain Kat Thompson has started all but four matches in her four years as well.

"She came to the team as a freshman with lightning speed, but having never played soccer, has made herself into a strong player," said Coach Pam Carter-Bergvin.

Co-captain Whitleigh Sherrill only began playing during her junior year, but her quick improvement made the keeper position a strength this season.

Ashley Sherrill has lettered for four years, playing every position except keeper.

"She has also played through injury and illness, and has shown an amazing degree of on field toughness," the Lady Panther coach said.

Last but not least is Brittany Wilson.

"She has lettered for four years, starting and playing every posisition except keeper. She has also worked hard to make herself into a strong player. This group of young ladies will be impossible to replace," conclude Carter-Bergvin.