By Brad Greer
It seemed only fitting that in South Panola’s final home soccer game of the season a senior would decide the outcome.

With the score deadlocked at zero in the final minute of regulation, senior tri-captain Victor Munagorri sent a penalty kick into the net to give the Tigers a 1-0 victory over Lake Cormorant Thursday night. Munagorri’s winning goal came moments after Hunter Bryant’s goal off a throw-in was negated by the sideline official.

The win improved South Panola’s record to 8-7-1 on the season leading into today’s match at Southaven and Friday at Desoto Central.

“This was a special win tonight, not only for the program but for these seniors. I told them after the game they will remember this for a long time. This is only our second year to have a soccer program and these guys ( seniors) have played a huge part in improving over last season. I am really proud of them,” said Tiger head coach Hunter Mize.

South Panola saw a number of opportunities fall by the wayside in the first half as they missed four shots on goal including a header from Bryant that just missed its target.

Senior goalie Trey Tedford kept Lake Cormorant at bay throughout the night by stopping numerous shots on goal.

“Victor just so happened to get in the right position on that winning goal. We have gotten better on our set pieces from the corner and we found the net on some corner kicks but to have three goals taken away was tough. It is like you get all excited and all of a sudden you get deflated then have to get your mind back on the game. I was hoping our players did not get to discouraged by it and they did not. They kept their heads up and put it past them and moved on,” said Mize.

Lake Cormorant earned the split by taking the girls contest 4-1 as Miriam Hernandez scored three goals for the Lady Gators. Mallory Myers accounted for the lone South Panola goal at the 21st minute of the second half. South Panola goaltender Rebekah Garner stopped ten shots on goal.

“We just did not come out very aggressive in the first half like we needed to be. I thought we did a better job of that in the second half but could not find the net. We just want to come out and compete hard every game. If you do that the victories will come. This is also our second year to field a team and it is a learning process. We have won four games this season compared to one last year and it’s getting better,” said Mize.

Five seniors on the girls’ roster and six on the boys’ squad were honored between games. On the girls side it was Morgan Neese, Breanna Thweatt, Emily Standard, Alyssa Adams and Linda Mahawat. Tedford, Javon Presley, Ryan Darby, Sean Williams, Munagorrl and Ethan Gatlin were recognized on the boys team.