The Pahrump Valley High School girls’ soccer team showed resilience and determination over two hard-fought matches, earning ties against Cimarron-Memorial on October 18 and Sunrise Mountain on October 21. Despite facing injuries and limited substitutions, the Trojans played with heart and grit, never backing down against strong opponents.
Battle Against 5A Cimarron-Memorial – October 18
Both JV and Varsity teams took on the challenge of facing the 5A Cimarron Spartans, delivering impressive performances.
The JV match ended in a 2-2 tie after Rosie Miller scored both goals for the Trojans. However, the team faced adversity when defender Haylee Barajas was taken out following a head injury. Goalkeeper Jazmyn Herrera made 10 saves in the first half and helped anchor the defense in the second. “The girls went into halftime down 1-0, but that didn’t stop them. They came out even stronger in the second half, matching goals to end the game tied,” said Head Coach Amy Carlson.
The Varsity squad faced a tough challenge, starting the match with a shorthanded roster. Just five minutes in, they lost starter Natalia Vallin to injury. Despite these setbacks, the Trojans delivered a remarkable defensive performance. Madison Mendenhall was a standout in goal, blocking 22 shots, including a penalty kick, while Khylar Park led the defense, covering teammates and advancing the ball upfield. “The odds were against them, but the girls never gave up and gave everything they had until the last whistle,” said Carlson. “We always enjoy playing Cimarron. They push us to do better, and their coaching staff shows great sportsmanship.”
Sarah Brown, who played the full JV game, stepped up to fill in for Vallin during the Varsity match. “I couldn’t ask the girls to do more. They worked hard and played well, even with minimal subs against a higher-division team,” Carlson added. The Varsity match ended in a 0-0 tie, a testament to the Trojans’ resolve.
Tough Fight Against Sunrise Mountain – October 21
Just days later, the Trojans faced Sunrise Mountain, continuing to battle injuries and limited players. The JV team secured a 2-1 win with Rosie Miller scoring both goals, including the game-winner off an assist from Jane Carrera. “The girls played tough and passed the ball around beautifully,” Carlson said.
Varsity once again started with a shorthanded lineup but displayed unrelenting determination. After trailing 1-0 at halftime, the team fought back, with Valery Romero scoring the equalizer on a strong solo drive. “Valery’s footwork is amazing, though sometimes it gets in the way of her powerful shot,” Carlson said with a smile.
Although the match ended in another tie, Carlson emphasized the team’s perseverance. “We haven’t had a full roster for any game this season, and that’s been a challenge, but the girls never let it break their spirit. We’ll celebrate the fact that it wasn’t a loss.”
Both games exemplified the PVHS girls’ soccer team’s heart and determination, showing that, no matter the obstacles, they continue to push forward together.
