Senior night sweep: Palmer girls look forward to state tourney

PALMER — Rain poured on Machetanz Field Monday evening. But it didn’t dampen the spirits of the Palmer High girls’ soccer players.

The Moose had plenty to be thrilled about. Palmer celebrated its senior night with a 6-0 victory over Redington, and the Moose are 10 days away from their first appearance in the state tournament in more than a decade.

“It was a great night,” Palmer head coach Harmony Chadwick said. “They played really well. They were super motivated going in. We haven’t been successful the last couple of senior nights.”

Delaney Shults notched the hat trick for the Moose. Catherine Uschmann scored twice, and Summer Wolsterman added a goal for Palmer.

The Moose, who were moved into the Division II Northern Lights Conference as part of ASAA’s reclassification of soccer during the offseason, improved to 4-2 in league play with the victory. Palmer earned the NLC’s second state tournament berth and will advance to a state tournament for the first time since 2007.

“They’re super excited. It’s a long time coming,” Chadwick said.

Chadwick said it’s a great reward for her players, particularly her seven seniors who have endured the ups and downs.

“Such a positive, motivated group,” Chadwick said. “They’ve really been working together as a team. It finally paid off.”

Chadwick said it’s the senior leadership that really propelled Palmer into the postseason.

The Palmer boys also scored a win on senior night, beating Redington 6-2. Senior Manveer Singh notched a hat trick in his final home match. Singh has 18 goals this season.

Reed Godden, Isaiah Montoya and Mitchell Phipps also scored for Palmer.

The Moose are still alive in the hunt for one of the NLC’s two state tourney berths. Grace Christian, Kodiak and Palmer are all alive, and a number of scenarios can decide which squads advance.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.