West Park wins two playoff games in PKs

After a great regular season which saw West Park win the Metro Conference and post a 14-1-1 record overall, the Panthers have won their first two playoffs games in penalty kicks. The Panthers have advanced to the Division II semifinals where they will face Rocklin (12-2-4) on Wednesday with the winner reaching the section championship game on Saturday. West Park opened the playoffs Tuesday and tied Bella Vista at 2-2 with goals from Bella Madigan and Hayley Doughty before winning in penalty kicks, 3-2. On Thursday, the team tied Woodcreek at one with a goal from Doughty before winning the game in penalty kicks, 4-2. "These two playoffs games have been stressful, gritty games and it's awesome for the girls to be able to win them," West Park coach Tyrone Carey said. "We talked a lot with the girls since the start of the season of having grit, resilience and perseverance and they showed what they're about to be able to win two playoff games in penalty kicks. We've won a lot of games where we've dominated, so it's special to be able to grind out a win like that two playoff wins. We've really played like a team." Carey said the wins have been team wins, but mentioned Alexa Wade, Valentina Guerrero, Emily Cory as defensive stars and Keira Taylor as playing phenomenally at holding midfield. Offensively, Bella Madigan has had a great season with contributions from Brianne Whiteside, Hayley Doughty, Autumn Minkstein and Sydney Hall. "It's truly been a team effort," Carey said. Another key player has been goalie Taylor Rutledge. "Taylor has come up huge for us in goal," Carey said. "She's made a couple of greats saves in the shoots. In fact, she was the player of the game in the win against Woodcreek, as she made a couple of saves in regulation." The Panthers now get a shot at top-seeded Rocklin (12-2-4) on Wednesday. "It will be another tough test," Carey said, "just like Bella Vista and Woodcreek were. We don't fear anyone. We can't play scared. We have to play fearless and battle to the end and that's the approach we've taken and that's the approach we will continue to have."