The soccer team gains first win in dramtic fashion, Sept. 21, when the Lady Panthers traveled to Texas Southern for their first conference match.
Texas Southern struck first late in the second quarter. Prairie View’s own Brenda Castillo struck back no more than a minute later, tying the game, 1-1. After the end of regulation, the match went into overtime.
Neither team scored in the first overtime. In the second overtime, Angelica Diaz took the game in her hands by scoring the game winning goal for the Lady Panthers. The final score was 2-1.
With the overwhelming cheers from the crowd, it was mind wrecking to believe that the Lady Panthers lost 3-0 to Sam Houston’s Lady Bearkats. The Lady Panthers were able to contain the Bearkats’ defense until the last 15 minutes of the first half when a lucky shot slipped through.
With the strong footwork of Prairie View’s Kaleena Marshal and Brenda Castillo, any future attempts of another goal would have been very difficult. Nevertheless, the strong Panther pride literally began to “work their elbows” and put the pressure on the Lady Bearkats.
In comparison to the Lady Panthers, the Bearkats defense strategy was run and go, it seemed as though this strategy put a great physical strain on the Panthers. The Panthers fought hard to bring the pressure and the Lady Bearkats out of their comfort zone.
During half time the coaches and fans of Prairie View encouraged the Lady Panthers to dominate the game.
By the second half the Lady Panthers, under the influence of forward Brenda Castillo, were able to bring the ball to the outside lines carrying it further. These strategies were not strong enough to prevent the Lady Bearkats from scoring twice during the second half.
Though at times the fans and the coaches may have been upset at the calls made by the officials, at the last second of the game the fans gave the Panthers great support.
Ultimately, our ladies may have lost the game but they have truly won the support of the many fans who watched as they worked their hearts out to win.
Conference play for the Panthers will begin with the next game against division rival Southern, in Baton Rouge, La., Friday.