The Pahrump Valley High School Girls’ soccer teams kicked off their season with a challenging opener against Virgin Valley on August 19. The JV team managed to secure a 2-2 tie, while the Varsity team faced a tough 0-2 loss.
Head Coach Amy Carlson had anticipated a challenging match against Virgin Valley. Reflecting on the JV team’s performance, she expressed satisfaction with the outcome, especially considering the inexperience of the squad. “JV played well. They are a very new team, and given today was a majority of the team’s first high school game, I am very happy with the outcome,” said Carlson.
Diona Nixon and Rosie Miller were the goal scorers for the JV team, both finding the back of the net on breakaway runs. The JV defensive line also received praise for their strong performance in holding Virgin Valley to just two goals.
The Varsity game highlighted areas for improvement, as the team struggled against the seasoned Virgin Valley squad. With only five returning players, the experienced members faced the challenge of guiding newer teammates through the faster-paced game. “The Varsity game showed us more of what we need to work on,” Carlson noted. “Natalie Soto and Khylar Park took charge of the defensive line, while Natalia Vallin and Ryleigh Denton led the midfield.”
Despite a solid effort from forward Shae Boucher, the team was unable to capitalize on their scoring opportunities. Goalkeeper Madison Williams Mendenhall was a standout, making 16 impressive saves to keep the team in the game. However, the team ultimately fell short, losing 0-2.
Carlson remained optimistic about the future, emphasizing the positive takeaways from the game. “Despite the loss, the girls worked hard and took a lot of lessons from the game. I am proud of their teamwork and the way they handled the loss, excited to improve and get ready for our next game,” she said.
As the season progresses, the Pahrump Valley High School Girls’ soccer teams are eager to build on these early experiences and continue to grow both individually and as a team.
*A special thank you to Amber Crotty for the game photos!
