The Lady Kat’s played their season opener at Western Saturday night and showed up ready to play with a 9-0 Mercy Rule Victory. The girls have put in the work in the off season and it paid off. They played a very clean game of soccer together as a complete team unit. The girls were in sync from the starters all the way to the girls on the sideline. We played as a team and the scoreboard reflected it. Six different girls put the ball in the net with great assists. Ellen Callane, Layla Brehm, Iris Brehm, Indiria Faison, Gisela Herrera, and Darriuna Kirby all scored for the Lady Kats. After each score, it was evident it was a team score as everyone celebrated TOGETHER and got back to work. Our forwards, Ellen Callane and Layla Brehm put pressure on their defense and lead our attack. Our midfielders gave it their all. Analis Fuentes had some amazing passes. Indira played smart ball with great control and was a play creator. Lilly Taskey stepped up and played 4 different positions and was ready for wherever she was needed with 100 percent effort. Iris Brehm and Gisella Herrera dominated in the middle and played a pivotal role in keeping possession of the ball. Darriuna Kirby and Lyrik Barbour brought their senior confidence and experience to help shut out the panthers. Nancy Laughner had her defensive debut and was rock solid in the back. Freshman, Elaina Gibson had her first varsity start and played the majority of the game. She played with tenacity and the confidence of a veteran player. Maddie Carpenter had 2 saves on 2 shots on goal. 1st shutout of the season! We played with each other and more importantly we played FOR each other. The players on the sidelines were “all in" the whole game playing a vital part in this win. The message we had before the game was no matter where we go, we go together and keep it simple. We were first to the ball and we won most of the 50/50s. We were mentally and physically ready to win. The moral of this story is, put in the work together in the off season, when no one is watching, because it pays off. It paid off big for us this evening. We are back on the pitch Wednesday against Oak Hill. Let’s go Lady Kats!