Lady Panther Soccer Anxious for Season

Published: April 13, 2021

The GC women's soccer team is back and ready to compete at a high level this year. The Lady Panthers finished third in the SLIAC last year and went to the NCCAA Regionals, finishing their season with an impressive record of 14-9 (6-2 SLIAC). The team is excited for the upcoming season and is setting their goals high.

Coach Jeff Wardlaw was named the women's head coach last February and is ready to take on his new role. Wardlaw is no stranger to the team as he is in his 7^th year at GC and was the assistant coach for the women last year. He is ready to lead his team through a successful season this year. "I am excited about the quality of young ladies we have on the team," Wardlaw says. "The girls have come together as a family in preseason can't wait to see how that translates on the field."

The women have a strong group of returning players this year. One of these returners, Junior, Kesley Panzau is back for the Lady Panthers after being named to the First Team All-Conference last fall. Kayla Panzau, a returning sophomore who was on the Second Team All-Conference in 2011, is expected to contribute to the team's offense this season once again. She lead the SLIAC in assists last year, as she finsished her season with 16. Juniors Mo Murphy and Natalie Henneberry, both received SLIAC Honorable Mention honors last year, are also expected to be driving forces for the Lady Panthers this season. Henneberry was second in conference with most goals scored, putting a total of 18 in the net in 2011.

The women will begin their season Friday, August 31 as they travel to Defiance, Ohio to take on the Yellow Jackets. The Lady Panthers kick of SLIAC play on Saturday, September 29 when they travel to Spalding.