The Pershing County High School girls soccer team closed its season this past Wednesday afternoon in Lovelock against Dayton. Each ream scored a goal, resulting in a 1-1 tie.
Pershing County traveled to Fernley on Tuesday, Oct. 24, and lost 4-0 to the Vaqueros.
Matt Fuller and Eva Matuszyk coach the team.
Fernley foils
Pershing County
Haylie Leavitt, a sophomore goalie, punched away over 20 saves against the Fernley Vaqueros. It’s been just a few games since she debuted in the position.
The Vaqueros scored three goals against Pershing County in the first half.
In the second half — already thinking of next season, Pershing County’s coaches changed up the line.
“We wanted to see how some of the girls would perform in different positions,” said Matuszyk. “Alyssa Montes and Ashlyn Lusby had some impressive defensive plays against Fernley.”
The Vaqueros scored only one goal with the new arrangement.
Pershing Couyty
ties Dayton
The Lady Mustangs rebounded against Dayton on Wednesday. Lovelock played one of its fiercest matches of the season.
“The girls hustled every play and went for every ball,” said Matuszyk.
Dayton’s Lady Dust Devils got their goal in the first half. Lupe Parades scored Pershing’s goal on a penalty kick in the second half.
Senior night
Manager Leticia Sutherland, Loryn Hunt (co-capt.) and Karyme Hernandez graduate this coming June. During halftime against Dayton, Coach Matuszyk read remarks from each of the three girls.
Sutherland thanked the team she’s managed for the past two years. Hunt and Hernandez each played four seasons of soccer. Hunt’s favorite memories included overnight trips and Pershing’s most recent win against Yerington’s Lady Lions.
Hernandez remembered an overnight trip to White Pine during her freshman year.
“It was the most interesting car ride she’s ever had,” read Matuszyk. “And the day that followed was even better.”
But most of the Lady Mustangs will return to the soccer field next fall, another year older and wiser.
Lupe Parades, Lusby, Nanako Renfroe and McKenna Hertz (co-captian) will come back as seniors determined to lead their team through a winning season.
Season recap
In league play, Pershing County scored four wins, seven ties and three losses this year.
“It was a tough season,” said Matuszyk. “We have lots of new players still learning to trust each other’s skills and abilities.”
Defensively, the team allowed forty-two goals. They scored eighteen.
“I think we’ll see a stronger focus on offense next season,” said Matusyzk. “But every player improved and seemed to have a good time. That’s what is most important to us as coaches.”
