The Pahrump Valley High School Lady Trojans capped off their regular season with a well-earned 2–0 victory over The Meadows Mustangs at home on Tuesday, October 21. The night held special significance as it marked Senior Night for the team, honoring eight players and one manager whose dedication has helped shape the girls’ soccer program over the past several seasons.
Before the opening whistle, seniors were introduced one by one to the cheers of teammates, friends, and family. The honored players included Natalia Vallin (#6, Head Captain), Aubrey Williams (#10, Captain), Diona Nixon (#11), Haylee Solis (#12, graduating early), Sarah Brown (#17), Delaney Abbatte (#18), Julie Briggs (#00), and team manager Staisha Perry. Emotions ran high as the seniors took their final walk across the field at home, receiving flowers and hugs from coaches and teammates before taking their positions for the match.
When play began, the Trojans came out energized and confident, immediately applying pressure to The Meadows’ defense. At 34:33, Pahrump sent an early shot just wide of the post, followed minutes later by a strong strike from Natalie Soto that was stopped by the Mustangs’ keeper. The Meadows responded with an attempt at 28:56, but goalkeeper Julie Briggs made a clean save to keep the game even.
The Trojans’ offensive persistence paid off at the 20:45 mark when Juliana Lopez broke through the back line and sent a shot past the diving keeper to put Pahrump ahead 1–0. The goal ignited the crowd and gave the Trojans the momentum they needed to maintain control through the rest of the first half. Despite several additional shots on goal from Soto and Vallin, the Mustangs’ defense managed to hold the score at 1–0 entering halftime.
The Lady Trojans carried their sharp passing and ball movement into the second half, continuing to dictate the pace. Aubrey Williams fired a shot on goal at 36:48 that was caught by the keeper, followed by Sarah Brown’s attempt at 29:52 that sailed just over the crossbar. Pahrump’s offense continued to push forward with shot attempts from Vallin and Soto, while Briggs stayed alert in goal, stopping a dangerous Meadows shot at 28:55.
As the clock wound down, the Trojans intensified their attack. Natalia Vallin created several opportunities from midfield, setting up plays that forced the Mustangs’ keeper into multiple diving saves. At 11:11, Aubrey Williams sent another powerful shot that was blocked at the last second. Then, with less than two minutes remaining, Williams found her mark—sending a well-placed strike into the back of the net to secure the 2–0 victory for the Lady Trojans.
After the final whistle, the team celebrated with their seniors, many of whom have been part of the program since their freshman year.
Head Coach Amy Carlson shared her reflections on the special night and her team’s growing cohesion.
Emotions ran high Tuesday night as we celebrated our seniors at their last home game. Some of these girls have been a part of the girls soccer program since their freshman year, and all of them have been a huge part of our journey this season. The girls really came together as a team and had a solid game from beginning to end, controlling the ball almost the entire game. They passed very well and moved the ball around as a team the best they have all season. They played controlled, confident and focused. This win comes at the perfect time as we head into Regionals next week. Through all of their struggles they have found their way at the right time. They are finally playing cohesively and we are looking forward to continue to build from our last two games.
The Lady Trojans will now turn their focus to postseason play, traveling to Moapa Valley for the first round of Regionals on Monday, October 27, at 6 p.m. From this point forward, it’s single elimination, and Pahrump will look to carry the same teamwork and determination that earned them a memorable Senior Night victory.
