By Jacob Heid

Sports Editor

STEVENS POINT – The SPASH girls’ soccer team (4-5-1, 2-4) played host to Marshfield (7-3-1, 6-0) in the Panthers’ final conference game of the regular season at the Portage County Youth Soccer Complex on May 9. 

It turned out to be a physical game early on, with players aggressively attacking to gain possession of the ball. 

Marshfield split its goals, scoring once in each half in the 2-0 win.

The pace of the game was quick from the start. SPASH needed to defend early but cleared everything that came its way in the opening 25 minutes or so.

Marshfield had a few shots, and the Panthers held on strong. 

With multiple lengthy stretches on defense, SPASH allowed the first goal in the 29th minute. 

With a 1-0 deficit and roughly 10 minutes to go until halftime, SPASH created some opportunities through the midfield. 

Freshman midfielder/forward Amelia Castleberg generated some offense, but Marshfield’s defense won the race to passes they put in deep. 

SPASH stayed in a good position, trailing 1-0 at halftime.

There was a similar feel to open the second half. 

The Tigers kept the pressure up and scored again in the 57th minute to up the advantage to two. 

The home Panthers didn’t find an answer in the final 20 minutes of the game. 

Conference pool play is the next Wisconsin Valley Conference action for the Panthers. 

SPASH’s first pool play game is on Tuesday, May 16.