Taylor Swenson scored to give the Panthers a momentary 2-0 lead before Cheyenne South, making its varsity soccer debut this season in Wyoming, got on the scoreboard. The Panthers carried a 2-1 lead into halftime.
In the second half, Kim Murdock got free on a breakaway opportunity to re-establish a two-goal lead for the Panthers. South was again able to answer and pull with one score before Swenson slammed the door with her second goal for the night.
“It really wasn’t a close game,” Hanlin said.
The victory improves Powell to 4-10-1 on the season. The Panther girls open state tournament play at 2 p.m. on Thursday against Buffalo. The game will take place in Sheridan.
The Panthers will advance to face either Jackson or Worland on Friday. Cody, Pinedale, Lander and Torrington complete the eight-team state tournament field.
The Panthers are no strangers to the Buffalo Bison. The two schools squared off in late March with Buffalo taking a 7-0 victory. Powell played the contest with a number of players out of uniform attending other school functions that day.
The 3A state soccer tournament continues Friday and Saturday in Sheridan.