Four starters were out for the Lady Panthers soccer team Saturday afternoon.
A defensive battle still ensued at Johnson Field between Montezuma-Cortez High School and a veteran Telluride team in the season opener for both.
However, it was Sarah Wontrobskis second half netter that broke a scoreless tie in favor of the Miners. The Lady Panthers couldnt find the back of the net and fell at home, 1-0.
Ryan Hanley assisted Wontrobski on the Miners goal.
It was a pretty evenly matched game, first-year Lady Panthers coach Nate Ross said. Telluride moved the ball well pretty much all game. We were the aggressors the first half. We continued not to pressure as much as I would have like offensively and defensively in the second half. Our defense kind of opened up on a fastbreak. The Telluride girl broke through the middle and spotted the ball right in the corner. Overall, I think we played well.
Senior captain Baylee Lindsley did not play for M-CHS (0-1), as well as senior starter Kylee Sitton. Junior goalkeeper Tori Laymon didnt suit up and Dolores sophomore Elana Bernholtz was out. Each player was absent on personal leave.
Sophomore backup goalie Brianna Funks filled in nicely with nine saves and only gave up the one Telluride (1-0) goal.
She had nine solid, solid saves that were strong shots from Telluride. She had an outstanding game, Ross said.
The Lady Panthers certainly had chances to score in the match. Returning leading scorer Allison Porter had six shots on goal, but the junior just couldnt connect. It was definitely a game of missed opportunities for M-CHS.
Young defenders Aubrey Lopez and Emma Youngquist each were defensive catalysts that earned quality minutes yesterday for coach Ross.
I think we did pretty good. Especially, since we had young players. I think we stepped it up, Lopez said. I mean, it did kill us not having four starter players. But, I think we did good overall.
Ross also feels his underclassmen really stepped up.
Our freshmen play was awesome, Ross said. We were missing four players. Our freshmen play was really strong. I was happy to see how our freshmen came out and dealt with their first challenge of the season. I was real happy with how they responded.
M-CHS will have plenty of time to regroup. The Lady Panthers wont play again, until March 23-24, when they host 5A/4A Southwestern League foes Montrose and Grand Junction Central at 5 p.m. and 11 a.m. Playoff implications will already be on the line against 4A Montrose. Ross feels the time off will be good for his squad.
We got this little bit of time to prepare, he said. Ill be concentrating on defensive strategy. Were just trying to keep that chemistry going. I think were still in high spirits. Well continue to try and get the freshmen class more involved and being a part of playing at this level. Montrose is going to be one of those nail biters, Im sure. Thats what makes it fun.
Telluride out shot M-CHS, 12-11.
Now we know what to not do and to do better, so we can beat Montrose, Lopez said. I think these two weeks will definitely be like a recovery, just getting us prepared for better competition. We need to shoot more, talk more and just read each other more.
Lopez feels she and her teammates will get better throughout the season.
I think as the season goes, well progress more, since he (Ross) is a very good coach, she said.
Reach Bobby Abplanalp at bobbya@cortezjournal.com.
