Panthers Cruise to 2-0 Playoff Victory, Speirs Shines

The  Panthers continued their playoff push with a convincing 2-0 win over MiraCosta College in the second round of the 3C2A playoffs. Despite chilly, damp conditions, the Panthers' offense proved too much for the Spartans.

A pre-game ceremony honoring the Panthers' sophomores, with their families present, set a positive tone for the match. 

Sophomore Gisele Speirs scored both goals for the Panthers. Her first goal came in the 8th minute off an assist from Gionna Diez. Speirs added another goal in the 88th minute, assisted by Alexa Pereida.

Coach Daniel Fox praised Speirs' performance, stating, "Gisele has worked hard to fill a number of gaps we've had this season. She's been asked to play across a variety of positions and always gives everything. Today we saw her ability to get in the right spaces at the right times and be clinical with her finishing. Two great finishes, and a well deserved MVP of the match."

The Panthers now advance to the third round of the playoffs, where they will face the #4 seed Santa Barbara City College on Tuesday, November 26 at 7:00 p.m. 

The team will have one practice session before hitting the road to Santa Barbara. The coaching staff  emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and to not switch off during pivotal moments. "There were moments in this game that recovery was a little slow and it opened up opportunities for our opponent to find space, we need to fix that immediately,' adds Fox.