The Perry Lady Panthers make their way to the Elite Eight

PERRY — The Perry Lady Panthers battled the Trinity Christian Lady Lions on Thursday for a spot in the Elite Eight, and came out on top in a slim 1-0 victory.

Despite being one loss away from elimination, the Lady Panthers looked confident all game.

As the game began, the Lady Lions immediately challenged the Lady Panthers.

They pressed an aggressive stance further into Perry’s defensive line, and only a couple of minutes in they threatened a shot on goal.

Goalkeeper Olivia Martin didn’t let them have it easy. Waiting for the Lady Lions to take a shot, Martin stole it into her gloves.

The Lady Lions were forced back, awaiting Martin’s punt downfield. With that, it was the Lady Panthers’ turn to show some teeth.

Though Perry spaced out the defense with their quick and aggressive play style, they were forced back.

But Juliana Marfell stepped up from centerback and delivered a shot from 20 yards out that was barely saved by the Lady Lions.

Lady Trinity was forced back, awaiting Martin’s punt downfield. 

Now, it was Perry’s turn to show some teeth. With their quick yet aggressive playstyle, the Lady Panthers started to make more space by crossing the ball and forcing Trinity to open their defense. 

Still, as the Lady Panthers edged closer to their box, the Lady Lions strained Perry, and the ball was unwillingly passed back.

Juliana Marfell, #20, stepped up from Centerback and took the free ball. 

It was a stalemate of aggression, one that Perry eventually broke.

After fighting over control of the ball, the Lady Panthers were granted a free kick from 30 yards away. Fraser Knapek, stepping back for the kick, knew this was the perfect opportunity to snap the tie.

With a running start, Knapek whipped the ball straight for Trinity Christian’s goal. No one, not even the goalkeeper, could stop it as the ball flew over their heads. The ball hit the back net and the Lady Panthers led 1-0.

Time in the first half ran out, and though Perry stormed into the second half with newfound aggression, they never got another shot to go through the net.

Regardless, the Lady Panthers secured their spot in the Elite Eight. Perry coach Nathan Dooley thinks this is just the beginning for his club.

“We’ll take the win no matter the score,” Dooley said. “I think these girls have a good chance of winning state this year.” 

UP NEXT

The Lady Panthers play on the road against Lovett on Monday, April 29 at 5 p.m.