By Andy Orozco

Freelancer

Under the shimmering stadium lights, last night’s clash between the Bonney Lake Panthers and the Spanaway Lake Sentinels was more than just a soccer match; it was a beautiful tribute as the lady Panthers donned their iconic pink jerseys for their annual “pink out” match.

The Oct. 5 special event aimed to honor those bravely fighting the battle against cancer and to remember those who, unfortunately, lost their fight.

The atmosphere was electric as the Panthers took the field, ready to maintain their second-place standing in the league with an impressive 5-0-2 record, while the Sentinels, positioned fifth, looked to turn the tide with a 1-3-2 record.

The match kicked off with fervor, and it didn’t take long for the crowd to witness the first of many thrilling moments. In the 4th minute, Anne Anderson showcased her exceptional skills, providing a precision assist to Jaylee Reynolds down the right flank, resulting in a remarkable goal.

Not to be outdone, Anderson herself found the spotlight in the 14th minute, delivering a sensational free-kick goal from an impressive 25 yards out. The first half ended with a bang as Senior Madi Snider-Welsh converted a penalty kick in the 39th minute, marking her first career high school goal, and igniting a wave of excitement among her teammates and fans alike.

As the second half unfolded, the Panthers continued to dominate. In the 52nd minute, Ally Thompson’s well-placed diagonal pass deep into enemy territory set the stage for another brilliant play.

This time, Jaylee capitalized on the opportunity, skillfully navigating through defenders before setting up Anne Anderson for her second goal of the night in the heart of the penalty area.

The game’s intensity reached its peak in the 73rd minute when Chelsea Avery connected with Jaylee, who, with a combination of skill and determination, sliced through four defenders to secure her second goal of the evening.

However, the night’s accolades belonged to Madi Snider-Welsh, whose remarkable performance earned her the title of the player of the match.

As the Panthers basked in the glory of their victory, their sights were set on the next challenge: a clash against Lincoln High School on Tuesday, Oct. 10 at 7:30 p.m.

In a sport where every moment matters, last night’s match will surely be etched in the memories of players and fans alike as a testament to the power of teamwork, determination, and the enduring spirit of the “pink out” tradition.