Lady Panthers Poised for Another Tournament Title Saturday

The Panthers are on the prowl, and just one game stands between them and championship glory.

Long Valley Middle School’s Lady Panthers soccer team is set for the Morris County Soccer Finals Saturday morning at 11:15 a.m. against William Annin Middle School. A win would give the squad its fourth consecutive title. The tournament was canceled in 2012 due to Super Storm Sandy.

The Lady Panthers tested their mettle in the tournament’s semifinal game against West Essex earlier this week, hosting their opponent at the Middle School. The ladies jumped into attack mode early, scoring in the first three minutes thanks to Casey Lisa with an assist from Emily Leyson.

It was more of the same before the half, as Maddie Selvaggi scored twice with assists from Emily DeGeyter and Lisa.

West Essex got on the board before the break with a goal of their own, but the Panthers put the competition out of reach in the second half.

Chelsea Debrot scored on a one-timer from DeGeyter, and Lauren Shultis got into the goal-scoring action with Lisa’s second assist of the day.

The championship game will be held at the RV Athletic Fields in Boonton at 11:15 a.m. Saturday.

Information provided by team coach Kevin Demarest. Photos courtesy Paul Hamilton.