By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

FOLEY – The Pelham Panthers girls soccer program finished as a runner-up in the Girls Elite Division of the Foley Southern Shootout with a 2-1 record.

The team’s performance in the program brought Pelham girls soccer their first trophy since 2021. Head Coach Shane Ashcraft’s team displayed a competitive edge on both the offensive and defensive sides of the pitch that bodes well for their chances in Class 6A this season.

The Panthers’ tournament started with a 3-2 win over the Foley Lions on Thursday, Feb. 6.

Pelham survived the close game in part thanks to a brace from Lacey Lambert, who started off her season strong with two goals. Claire Robinson also added a score to push the Panthers over the edge.

Pelham continued their winning ways on Friday, Feb. 7 with a 1-0 win over the Buckhorn Bucks. Robinson was the only offense that the Panthers needed, scoring her second goal of the season in the game.

Coach Ashcraft’s defense and netminding started the season off strong, and that continued in the Buckhorn matchup, limiting the Bucks’ scoring chances.

Pelham’s winning ways came to an end in a matchup with the Gulf Shores Dolphins on Saturday, Feb. 8. The 2-0 loss prevented the Panthers from winning the Elite Division, with Robinson and Lambert being shut down after strong starts to the season.

The tournament results leave Pelham with plenty of optimism for the 2025 campaign, with the girls competing well in every game and nabbing their first trophy since 2021.

Up next for the Panthers is a matchup with the Calera Eagles on Tuesday, Feb. 11 at 5:30 p.m. The game will be played at the University of Montevallo.