By Robert Whitmire

The SPASH Girls Soccer team kicked off its 2017 run to a Wisconsin Valley Conference title at home Thursday night with a 5-0 win over visiting Marshfield at the Portage County Youth Soccer Complex.

The win moves the Panthers to 4-1 overall, 1-0 in conference play.

SPASH scored early and often with junior midfielder Olivia Clemens lighting the board at the 2:50 mark of the first period. Senior Anna Zajakowski picked up the assist.

Clemens found the back of the net once again at the 25:01 mark of the first off the assist from sophomore Sierra Hefferan.

SPASH took a 3-0 lead into the halftime break when senior Tigist Ficken scored at 27:42. Zajackowski picked up her second assist of the night on the goal.

Abby Gemza rounded out the SPASH scoring hitting goal number four in the second half at 54:25. Marshfield misplayed a line shot off the foot of Panther senior Erin Soucek — recorded as an own goal — at 82:41 to close out the scoring for the game.

“This was a great game for us,” said Panther Coach Don Peel. “Everyone got a chance to play some good minutes which is good for the team and the program.”

Senior Goalie ToniRae Evans recorded 3 saves on the game and the Panthers peppered the Marshfield goal with 26 shots.

“We started a little shaky I thought but we put it together, especially in the second half and it was a good conference win for us,” said Evans. “We’re looking forward to going to Rapids next week.”

The SPASH junior varsity took a 3-0 win over Marshfield with junior Maddie Mutz scoring twice and freshman Meleah Krush putting a goal on the board.

The Panthers will travel to Wisconsin Rapids on Thursday, April 20 for a 7 PM match-up with the Raiders. SPASH returns home Tuesday, April 25 to face Merrill at the Portage County Youth Soccer Complex at 7 PM.