East Lake loss motivates Plant

Last season ended for Plant with three corner kicks that led to East Lake goals in the final 20 minutes of the region quarterfinals. With a 2-0 lead at the second-half water break, things looked good for the Panthers, but all that changed when East Lake's Tatiana Perez put in three late goals and the Eagles ended Plant's season, 3-2.

That loss still stings senior sweeper Amy Werdine.

"I think about that game all the time," Werdine said. "It was excruciatingly painful afterwards. It was probably the worst game I've ever been a part of. And the way we lost ... there is no way that is going to happen to us again."

The Panthers now have a rallying cry, one that resonates with the team's seven seniors and 11 juniors.

Panthers coach Stephen McGill believes the loss will help his players find motivation to succeed and remember not to let up.

"The first time this team ever really got to experience the other team celebrating on the field was when East Lake came back," McGill said. "That was the first time these girls got to feel that emotion of watching the other team celebrate."

Senior keeper Lauryn Bodden hasn't forgotten last season's final game, either.

"Just that reminder helps us," Bodden said. "We know we have to keep going, no matter what we might be up it's always good to remember that."

The Panthers return a deep squad with a wealth of talent. Werdine, an Appalachian State recruit, had a big spot to fill last season replacing the previous year's defensive leader, Chelsea Hearne. However, with a full year as sweeper behind her, she has become a solid captain and on-field leader for the defense.

The Panthers return a number of weapons offensively, including senior Ellen Moore, who led the team in scoring last season with 10 goals and also had seven assists. Junior Connor Zwetsch, who has committed to Florida State, also will be a scoring threat for the Panthers. Zwetsch has good ball-striking instincts and connected for nine goals a season ago, and junior Molly Ganther brings a ton of speed to the offense. The Panthers also have a lot of experience in goal with Bodden.