Panthers Capture Harvest Cup

The U13 Panthers girls’ soccer team brought home the Barnstable Harvest Cup with a 1-0 victory over Simsbury Sonics in the championship game. The Panthers started the tournament with domination over Mashpee with a 4-1 win. The defensive line, led by Diana Kirkman, Bryanna Benson, and Audrey Sedensky, contained the ball in Mashpee territory.

Veteran Juliet Grover led the team with two goals, and Kaitlyn McNicholas scored. Goalie Kira Kelly used her field time to show true versatility in connecting for the final goal of the game and her first for the season.

After falling to Simsbury Sonics in the second game 2-0, despite incredible offensive efforts by Sam Crespo and Lauren Russo, the Panthers came out fighting in their third game of the tournament. Facing a second team from Simsbury, the Panthers showed a cohesive passing game with seemless connections between Juliet Grover, Dani Otero, Mary Hufziger, and Jess Cruz.

The defensive line, led by Audrey Sedensky, Prya Deraney, and Diana Kirkman contained the ball within in striking distance of the goal, resulting in shots on goal by Kaitlyn McNicholas, Sam Crespo, and Maria Ringes. Teamwork led by Lauren Russo and Allie Paynter, paid off when a flurry of pressure at the mouth of the net in the final seconds of the game, and resulted in Catherine Shaw’s chest-deflected goal sending the Panthers victory.

Enduring a cold rain, the Panthers faced off  with Simsbury Sonics for a hard-fought championship game. Brianna Benson and Greta Staubly took no prisoners  in their defensive fight, pushing the Sonics back at every advance. Allie Paynter, a tournament standout, showing great hustle, was complimented by Audrey Sedensky’s speed and footwork. Alex Futterman was in legendary form in goal, sacrificing her body and showing her keen anticipation by stopping every shot. Dani Otero rounded out an outstanding Panther effort in pushing the ball back upfield where Mary Hufziger and Catherine Shaw connected for shots on goal. Kaitlyn McNicholas sealed the championship with a soaring shot to the net.