2018 Palo Verde Girls Soccer Capsule

PALO VERDE

League: Class 4A Mountain

Head coach: Frank Messina, 11th season

2017 record: 14-4 (10-2 Northwest/second)

Returning letter winners (starters): Ten (two)

Top athletes: F Madison Hernandez (Jr.), MF Carlee Giammona (Sr.), F Kassidy Sayles (Jr.)

Outlook: Graduation was not kind to the Panthers, who return only two starters from a squad that lost a heartbreaking Sunset Region semifinal last year.

Hernandez (13 goals, 7 assists), Giammona (12 goals, 13 assists) and Sayles (6 goals, 2 assists) are back to help guide the offense.

“The program is looking to build back the key positions that were lost to graduation and be right back in the mix this season,” said Messina, who guided the Panthers to the Class 4A state final in 2016. “I hope to see new faces step into leadership roles to guide the newer players through a great season.

“The returning players are excited to get the season started and all are determined to make it back to the state final.”