Though not branded the favorites to win as the 11th seed in Class 6A’s west regionals, the girls soccer team pulled through with a 2-0 victory against sixth seeded Topeka on May 13. 

On Thursday, the Panthers will play host to Lawrence Free State, which beat third-seeded Dodge City, in the regional championship. 

“I think it’s awesome that we get to go to the championship game and I think we have a really good chance at winning it. We’ve all worked really hard this season and it’d be amazing to get a plaque,” sophomore Lilly

said. 

With a win on Thursday, the Panthers, who are 9-7-1, will advance to the Class 6A quarterfinals.

“I feel like this season has had some rocky areas, but I feel like we are ready for tomorrow,” sophomore Harper Wintz said. “We are going into this game confident and prepared.”

It takes time for a diverse team to build chemistry with one another. 

“We have a unique blend of young and old players. That combination has taken some time to gel as a group but we are finally coming together and understanding our roles and put in the hard work it takes to win games,” coach Burke said. 

As the senior class leaves, upcoming players will establish their part within the panther’s team while influencing the next class like the players before them have done. 

“Jaden and Bianka have been leaders all season, but we have had a revolving door of younger players step up when needed to fill the gaps we might have had due to injury or illness,” coach Burke said. “We have dealt with so many random things this year as a team, so to get to this point, it shows how much hard work and talent this team has and the fight they have had all season.” 

The seniors stepping down this year leaves room for the freshman and sophomore players to step up into leadership roles. Additionally, they’ve worked hard to come together as a team and win. 

“This group deserves this moment we have and hopefully we can step up and bring home a regional championship,” coach Burke said.