Marion's surge overcomes Panthers

     Marion proved too strong an opponent for the Panthers in a windy April 30 match at Monticello. The Indians blanked Monticello 7-0, getting three goals in the first half and four in the second.

     “We played with a lot of evergy and did a lot of things well,” Monticello coach Bruce Feuling said. “We still have more work to do on protecting the ball when it is in our possession. Accurate passing and knowing what to do with our first touches will be points of emphasis in upcoming practices.”

     Marion scored four minutes into the match, but went 33 minutes without scoring before making it 2-0 with about three minutes left in the half. The Indians opened the lead to 3-0 a minute later.

     “The varsity defense started strong and turned back drive after drive, and took away a lot of the initial shots on goal,” Feuling said.

     The Panthers (1-5) had two shots in the match, by Sophia Ahlrichs and McKenna Bell. Goalkeeper Cassie Gillmore made 25 saves.

     In the junior varsity match, Marion defeated Monticello 11-1. A bright spot for the Panthers was a breakaway goal by Lydia Lange. Skyler Postel played in goal for Monticello.

     Monticello was supposed to play host to Bellevue Marquette May 3, but that match was postponed.