The Portal Panthers hosted the Georgia Military College Prep School in the second round of the GHSA State Playoffs on Tuesday evening. The Lady Panthers shut out the Bulldogs 6-0 and advance to the Elite 8.
Portal held a 3-0 lead going into the second half. The Lady Panthers continued to attack and kept their foot on the opponents neck. Colby Stewart put on a show in the second half and showcased her speed. Stewart scored 3 goals in the second half alone to double the Panthers lead.
Stewart scoring 3 goals in the second half showed how much depth the team has. Coach Johnnie Sanchez says that shows that this team is more than just one player. "It takes a whole team, it's not a one woman show" Sanchez said. "It takes all 11."
The Panthers showed no signs of rust despite not playing in over a week. Junior Maggie Brannen scores the game's first goal 13 minutes into the game. Brannen then was awarded a penalty kick and scored her second goal of the first half with 19 minutes left in the period. The Panthers were not done in the first half. Madison Nesmith lined up a shot from near midfield with under a minute left in the half. The ball hung in the air for what felt like an eternity before it fell into the top of the net over the goalkeeper.
Coach Johnnie Sanchez was pleased by how his team started out fast and jumped on their opponents. He was disappointed with how his team played in their previous home game against Screven County. "That is how you come out and play." Sanchez said.
The Portal Women's soccer program gets a measure of revenge on Georgia Military College Prep. The last time these teams played, the Panthers lost 10-1.
UP NEXT:
The Lady Panthers will host the quarterfinals on Monday, April 29.
