Powell upsets No. 1 Star Valley on Saturday

The Powell High School girls soccer team earned a major upset on Saturday, but first the Lady Panthers had to go through hail to do it.

After being pelted by both game-time hail and the Jackson Hole offense Friday in Jackson, PHS rebounded for a much-needed 2-1 victory over Class 3A’s No. 1-ranked Star Valley in Afton.

“We are so excited. The whole team is in good spirits right now,” first-year PHS coach Jack Haire said. “It’s a good place to be.”

Powell 2, Star Valley 1

The Lady Panthers claimed their fifth victory of the season using the exact same play that earned them their fourth (against Pinedale) on April 18.

Tied 1-1 in the second half, coach Haire’s daughters Jourdyn Haire (senior) and Joey Haire (freshman) teamed up for the game-winning score. Joey Haire crossed a long pass to her sister, who broke away from the defense and promptly fired it into the Lady Braves’ net.

It was Jourdyn Haire’s second goal of the game after she helped PHS (5-4) to the halftime tie with a score on an 18-yard free kick in the first half.

“We all worked together as a team. We tried our absolute best and the turnout was very good,” Jourdyn Haire said. “I think the biggest difference was how we worked together.”

Coach Haire also gave credit to his assistant coach, Stan Hedges, who suggested some formation changes on the field that Haire said worked to perfection.

“We are a very good team together as far as me and him go,” Haire said of his relationship with Hedges. “We talked about needing to change some things, and he had an idea. He hit me with it, I loved the idea and we went with it.”

Due to the success of the idea, coach Haire understandably chose not to disclose the adjustments he made with his team. He did say however: “My defense and my midfield won that game. I know Jourdyn scored the goals, but what we didn’t have in the Jackson game was a strong midfield."

The coach was also impressed with how his team bounced back from Friday’s harsh conditions.

“Once we got them warmed up and got them a good night’s rest ... I wasn’t sure how they were going to do Saturday morning — some of them were sick ... but they responded well,” Haire said.

Haire also said Saturday’s win showed the type of team the Lady Panthers can be, and said the win could help propel PHS forward.

“Honestly, I’m speechless. It was incredible — for the program, for the school, for the girls ... the parents ... everybody. It was a big win.”

Sophomore goalkeeper Gabby Hirsch made 10 saves for the Lady Panthers. Star Valley fell to 6-3 on the season. PHS and Star Valley have now split two matches this season. The Lady Braves defeated the Lady Panthers 2-0 on April 17.

Jackson Hole 4, Powell 0

Before PHS was able to enjoy its big win, it had to endure some harsh weather and a tough Jackson Hole team.

“The moment the whistle blew, hail started; the weather was so bad,” coach Haire said.

The hosts came down on the Lady Panthers nearly as hard as the falling ice, as Hirsch collected an unbelievable 31 saves. But unfortunately for PHS, its offense couldn’t match Jackson.

“We never really came together as a unit, and it was hard to honestly,” coach Haire added. “The players said it was like stinging needles. But we played right through it.”

Haire gave credit to Jackson’s offense, saying of the team’s goals: “Most of them were earned, that’s a pretty good team.”

PHS is on the road again this weekend, battling Buffalo in Buffalo at 6 p.m. Friday before traveling to Cody for a 10 a.m. 3A Northwest Conference match on Saturday. Powell is currently 0-2 in conference play.