Panthers again poised for strong playoff run

Palo Verde girls soccer coach Frank Messina has learned to withstand having players miss games in the past three seasons because of club participation.

Though he has become used to the pattern, he admits it isn't always easy.

"It's tough," Messina said. "I have to count on the secondary bench to cover. We're decent in depth (this year), but I think we could have a few more players in key positions."

But even with several of his players again missing time this season because of the Elite Club National League, the ninth-year coach has managed to put the Panthers in position for another deep playoff run starting today.

The top-seeded Panthers (12-4-1), who have won two consecutive Southwest League titles, will be at full strength when they face Desert Oasis (8-6-2), the Northwest League's No. 4 seed, at 6 p.m. Monday at Bettye Wilson Park. The tournament starts at 4 p.m.

The boys brackets start at 4 p.m. Tuesday at Bettye Wilson Park.

Palo Verde is looking for its first region title since 2006-2007, when games were played during the winter season. Last season, the Panthers fell to eventual state champion Arbor View 4-3 in the region final before losing in double overtime to Coronado 4-3 in the state semifinals.

Messina said he thinks this year's squad is just as talented as that one.

"We stack up pretty well (to last year)," Messina said. "We lost a few players — some key components — but we didn't lose the competiveness with this team. Usually, when it comes time to push and shove with the tougher teams, we get done what we need to get done."

Palo Verde hopes to avenge a 1-0 home loss to the Diamondbacks on Sept. 18. Desert Oasis sophomore Ashley Wood scored the winning goal with 1 minute remaining.

"They beat us 1-0, but a lot of our ECNL players weren't playing," junior forward Macee Barlow said. "We had five or six girls missing. If we go in strong and know we can win, we'll be fine."

Barlow isn't the only player eager for a rematch.

"I'm actually really excited about that one," junior midfielder Jadyn Nogues said. "They were so happy when they beat us. Me, Macee and two of our other top players weren't there, so I'm kind of excited."

Barlow and Nogues, an Arizona State commit, will have a large say in how far the team advances. They are two of Southern Nevada's top players and the catalysts behind a potent offense ... when they play.

Fortunately for the Panthers, they will be at full strength the rest of the playoffs.

"They've really progressed and helped the team," Messina said. "Macee is a go-to-goal kind of person. Others don't have that tenacious attitude to get that ball all the time. She's just willing to scrap for the ball when it comes down to it. Jadyn will take her shots when she gets them, but she's always looking to assist.

Despite missing a few games apiece, both have made their mark on the team. Barlow leads the team in goals with 17, and Nogues is the top overall scorer (16 goals, 13 assists).

"It's been amazing to play with Macee. She's awesome," Nogues said. "It's so relieving to have her. I can rely on her to score and assist."

Said Barlow: "It helps a lot because we've been playing club together for like four or five years. We have a lot of chemistry on the field."

That chemistry has helped softened the blow of losing Nogues' sister, Mackenzie, to graduation. Mackenzie Nogues, a former All-Southern Nevada performer, is a freshman at Long Beach State.

But even without Mackenzie Nogues, the Panthers remain one of the Sunset Region's top teams.

"We've had a lot of girls step up this year that didn't really do as much last year," Jadyn Nogues said. "So that's really nice."

Gia Barone (10 assists), Trinity Carnell (five goals) and Hannah Gunderson (six goals, two assists) have contributed to give the Panthers a formidable roster.

They will need to be at the top of their game to give Palo Verde a shot at the region title. Arbor View (16-1-1) has won the past three Sunset Region titles and again will be the favorite.

The Panthers know it, too, but they're not ready to count themselves out.

"We can make it all the way," Barlow said. "I feel like we have a pretty strong team."

Contact reporter Ashton Ferguson at aferguson@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0430. Follow him on Twitter: @af_ferguson.