by Sheena Byham, sports editor

The Saegertown Panthers soccer team has started its season strong. Over the summer, the team struggled to find a head coach who was willing to take on the mantle. Alex Escalante, who was previously the assistant coach, stepped up and filled the position. One of his first initiatives was to increase team numbers with boys from Maplewood, Cambridge, and Saegertown.

The boys started the preseason with a 6-0 win over over CASH. Their record is currently 4-10 including a thrilling win over rival team, the Meadville Bulldogs. The boys have not let their losses define them, and they rallied to beat Eisenhower 6-1 on Sept. 24. “Our players are connecting off the field, but sometimes we have a little difficulty getting it together when the pressure rises,” said Logan Bill, one of the senior captains from Cambridge. “I feel that we have a chance in the playoffs if we take it seriously and focus. I hope that we can really get our passing and finishing down, so we can score easier and with more accuracy.”

The Panthers are progressing as the season continues. Coach Escalante said: “The team is good, but surely improving.” Escalante has put effort into substituting top scorer Iain Scott (who graduated last year) with senior Ainsley Kissel from Cambridge and Saegertown junior Andy Rockwell in the offense. “The season had a rough start because we had such little time to practice and get to know new players,” said Escalante. He has high hopes for the team and anticipates the boys will be playing more cohesively by playoffs.  

They Panthers will be in action again against Seneca tomorrow, Oct. 11, at French Creek Valley School at 4 p.m.