Starr’s Mill finished their 2017 regular season in Marietta Friday night falling 1-0 to the Walton Raiders on their senior night. The territorial advantage was in the Raiders favor in the first half, but the Panthers managed to maintain possession of the ball and work it around well in the back.

The fault came as the possession moved into the attack, as Starr’s Mill was slow to support the ball in the forward positions. Defensively, the team was solid as seniors Ashton Nowicki, Sky Dedrick, sophomore Rachel Davison, and juniors Kirsten Oates and Sara Biddle were well drilled and disciplined in their shape and focus.

Freshmen Chloe Spradlin, and Quin Nowicki, as well as sophomores Katelyn O’Shields and Meritt Parker did well to create a formidable block in defense with senior Ansley Peurifoy dropping from the front to shape up as well. The Raiders created chances but were victims of location on several occasions as turnovers deep in their end gifted the Raiders clear looks at goal.

Senior keeper Spencer Dawson recorded four saves including a beautiful diving save to her left and the defenders committed to the cause deflecting shots at every angle. A slow-paced game lacked real excitement and it was a bland free kick that provided the edge with three minutes left in the half. A late tackle just outside the corner of the box provided the glimpse and the Raider free kick taker bent it back post and top shelf for the 1-0 lead at the half.

The Panthers came out more attack-minded with real intent to start the second half. Immediately the territorial balance evened out, but the Panthers still struggled to create chances. The backline stayed strong and sophomore keeper Abby Weaver came up big with six saves including a fantastic wrong-footed reaction save and a quick tip over the bar to keep Starr’s Mill in the game.

The Panthers enjoyed more forward movement, but couldn’t find the clear look at goal with sophomore Rachel Davison attempting at goal. Sophomore Hailey Grebeck came on to good effect at defensive center mid with junior Kaleigh Ward showing well at outside back.

Sophomore Alivia Sapienza provided an outlet up top and junior Makira Walton showed great drive to get forward from attacking mid. The tying goal eluded Starr’s Mill, and Walton saw out the game comfortably for the 1-0 win.  

The loss dropped the Panthers to 7-9-1 on the season entering the state playoffs. The slate is wiped clean as the team prepares for a trip to Harris County on April 27 in a winner-take-all first round AAAAA Girls’ State Playoffs matchup.

Edited by Jenna Sanders