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December 2, 2009

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Palo Verde fights through adversity, wins region

Jeff Neubert

Friday, Feb. 11, 2005 | 10:14 a.m.

Even though the team was ailing with the flu and injuries, Palo Verde managed to win the Sunset Region with a 2-1 win against Centennial.

Although happy for his club and its win, Panthers coach Marc Hechter had a lot of good things to say about the Bulldogs.

"That is an awesome team, an incredible team," Hechter said about the Bulldogs.

Two goals were scored by Centennial in the game, but the second one happened to be for the wrong team.

On a throw in from the far sideline, the ball went off the head of Palo Verde's Kayla McGuire, then into a crowd of Bulldogs and finally into their own goal.

Centennial coach Jay Howard was disappointed in the loss, but is relieved that it was the regional game and not a loss in the state playoffs.

"If you are going to lose, this is the one to lose," Howard said.

Forward Kayla Lambert, who was named to the All-Southern Nevada team this year, scored the first goal for Palo Verde.

Centennial had a goal late in the game that was called back because the ball was taken out of the goalkeeper's hands.

The Gators defense was going to have to step up after losing both of their goalies last year.

"They're great soccer players, they're talented. The team just really jelled well," Green Valley coach Bill Naftaly said.

Silverado had a good first half, holding Green Valley scoreless on 14 shots.

Senior Lindsey Schiess led the Gators to a victory with two goals, while teammate Marissa Newton added the third goal.

Naftaly said Lindsey's first goal allowed the team to play more aggressively.

"We showed up to play and got it done," Newton said.

The young Gators overcame a first-half disappointment and beat the very mature and experienced Skyhawks.

Green Valley came into the game with 12 underclassmen -- nine freshmen and three sophomores, while the Skyhawks had 15 upperclassmen on their roster.

Despite the loss, the Skyhawks will still compete in the state tournament, and with the win Green Valley will as well.

"This has been a wonderful team to coach," Naftaly said.

Naftaly and his team know their business is not finished yet, however they will head into the state playoffs with a regional trophy.

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