The Pahrump Valley High School girls’ soccer teams put on strong performances Tuesday, September 16, in Moapa, with the Junior Varsity squad earning another victory and the Varsity team playing its best game of the season in a thrilling 1-1 draw.
The Junior Varsity team continued its winning ways, defeating Moapa 2-0. Both Avery Farriggia and Melissa Nunez-Ramirez controlled the ball well, fired off multiple shots on goal, and each scored one of the Trojans’ tallies. Defensively, the back line of Melanie Carson, Kylee Lusk, Michell Villalobos, and Bell Ofseur worked seamlessly together, limiting Moapa’s chances and giving the keeper a quiet afternoon. The team’s consistent growth was evident as they notched another strong result.
Varsity took the field determined to show improvement, and they delivered. The Trojans tied 1-1 in what Head Coach Amy Carlson described as their “best game yet,” emphasizing how the girls finally displayed the heart, hustle, and teamwork they had been working toward all season. “We have been open about our struggles to ‘show up’ each night, and they finally came to play,” Carlson said.
The match was physical and fast-paced from start to finish, with both sides creating scoring opportunities. Aubrey Williams, returning to form after missing last season with a major injury, found her confidence and played a key role as the center attacking midfielder. Defensively, Diona Nixon stood out at centerback, while freshman Kylee Lusk stepped up to strengthen the back line. A crucial save by Cindal Monahan late in the second half preserved the tie.
On offense, Natalia Vallin and Natalie Soto each took three penalty kicks, narrowly missing chances to break the deadlock. The most dramatic moment came in the final 30 seconds when Vallin’s corner kick connected with Soto’s block and a header from Williams, only to be turned away just wide of the net.
While the Trojans didn’t quite secure the win, the intensity and passion displayed were cause for excitement heading into Thursday’s matchup against 5A Cimarron. Carlson summed up the night as “an amazing moment to see them play with intensity and passion,” giving the team momentum to build on for the rest of the season.
*Photos are from a game earlier this season.
