The only way to test a team is to have them play against the

toughest competition. So far this season, the Starr's Mill Lady

Panthers faced Parkview and Marist. Starr's Mill kept facing the

tough teams on Tuesday when they traveled to Westminster, last

year's AA state champion. One of Westminster's strengths is

Jessica Winton, a senior who has signed with UCLA and is an

Olympic Development standout. For Starr's Mill to win this game, they

would have to take Winton out of the game. That is exactly what

they did.

The first half was a scoreless defensive battle. Stacee

Sproul, the Panthers goalkeeper, made several outstanding saves,

while her sister Rachel Sproul stuck to Winton like glue. Winton was

only able to get seven shots off while Rachel Sproul made seven

steals in the game. Jenna McEwan, Amanda Thurber and

Lindsey Wegrzyn all played outstanding defense for Starr's Mill as well.

The offense began in the second half for both teams. Alice

Martin received a pass from Allison Graham in the 12th minute of

the second half and slammed the ball in the back of the net. The

Lady panthers scored again three minutes later when Kacy Murray

received a pass from Amanda Thurber and put it in the net.

The Wildcats of Westminster were not ready to give up and put the ball

in the net in the 38th minute of the second half. Starr's mill

scored again to ice the game. Kacy Murray banged in her second goal of

the game with 38 seconds left in the game. The Panthers

outshot Westminster 14-8 in the second half and won the game 3-1.

Starr's Mill will play their first region game of the season this

Friday when they host Riverdale. Home games are played at the

soccer field complex in Peachtree City.

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