Panthers advance
Mead’s struggles against Ferris on the soccer field finally met an end Wednesday night.
Conversely, Ferris’ troubles only began.
Jenae Brett scored the go-ahead goal in a lengthy shootout, and the Panthers survived for a 3-2 victory in the Greater Spokane League District 8 4A championship at Joe Albi Stadium.
The GSL’s regular-season champion, Mead (13-1-2) earned the league’s No. 1 seed in the state tournament set to begin Nov. 4 and will face the No. 2 seed from the Columbia Basin League.
Ferris (12-4) must face Shadle Park in the district’s consolation final Friday night at Albi to determine the GSL’s second seed to state. Shadle defeated Central Valley 1-0 earlier in the day.
“I’m relieved, to tell you the truth,” said Mead goalkeeper Mackenzie Swift, who watched Kim Byxbee’s potential game-tying shot sail over the crossbar to bring the shootout to an end after each team had 10 players attempt a penalty kick. Mead scored seven goals in the shootout, Ferris six.
“This was so much fun, and we wanted to come back and get revenge,” said Brett, noting the Panthers’ only loss of the season was a 3-0 defeat against Ferris. “We came out ready and as a team.”
Angie Hughes gave Mead a seemingly insurmountable 2-1 lead in the 76th minute, but Panthers defender Nicole Butz was whistled for an illegal tackle inside the 18-yard box. That allowed Ferris forward Dominique Arias to score on a penalty kick and send the game into overtime tied at 2.
“I don’t like celebrating until the game is over, so when (Hughes) scored I didn’t even jump,” Swift said. “Then (the Saxons) scored. But when that happens, you just have to keep going.”
Neither team scored during either 5-minute overtime session. Ferris had the luxury of kicking second during the shootout, but the Saxons failed to capitalize on Mead’s two errant kicks.
Kristen Bussard gave the Panthers a 1-0 lead in the 11th minute when she headed Alyshah Smith’s crossing pass beyond the reach of Ferris goalkeeper Liz Boyden.
Saxons defender Kristen Bafus responded on a set play when she headed teammate Lauryn Coombs’ corner kick into the back of the net 8 minutes before halftime.
With its state tournament appearance guaranteed, Mead can relax for a few days.
“It’s fantastic,” Panthers coach Jason Johnson said. “It’s the best-case scenario, obviously. It gives us the best opportunity to have a lot of success.”
Shadle 1, CV 0: Ali Fenter extended the Highlanders’ season at least one more game with a goal in the 72nd minute.
Shadle (8-5) began applying more pressure on offense in the game’s final 20 minutes. Fenter broke the scoreless tie when her shot from 25 yards out short-hopped in front of Jen Schwartz and deflected off the CV goalkeeper’s legs and into the net.
“It meant a lot, and it was a little unexpected,” said Fenter, a defender who roamed forward before her goal to give the Highlanders an extra attacker. “I guess I put enough power on it.”
3A regional playoffs
Southridge 3, Mt. Spokane 0: Chelsie Hill scored on a penalty kick in the 22nd minute and Southridge (9-6) never looked back in a blanking of visiting Mt. Spokane (8-6) in a GSL/CBL loser-out contest at Kennewick.
Hanford 1, East Valley 0: Kelly Hospetler’s goal at the 32nd minute was the lone score of the contest in Hanford’s GSL/CBL loser-out win over EV at Gonzaga Prep.
Hannah Krogfeth made 18 saves for the Knights (7-6).
The tourney continues Saturday and is now limited to four CBL teams.