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Making the most of what they have been given, the Worland Lady Warriors picked up their first win of 2023 as they cruised to a commanding victory over the Powell Lady Panthers on March 24 in Powell.

Fueled by their defense, the Lady Warriors shut out the Lady Panthers 5-0 as they improved to 1-1-1 on the season.

"Our biggest focus was defending. Not just 1-v-1 but as a team," said WHS girls soccer coach Jesus Davila. "We went through the different scenarios, when and when not to step to the ball and when to contain. We put in a lot of work doing that, and our back four and keepers did a good job of keeping that shutout."

Rivers Carrell and Emma Hunt each had a brace for the Lady Warriors, with two goals apiece. Peyton Erlenbaugh scored Worland's other goal.

Lady Warrior Carly Venable led the team in assists with two, while Carrell and Jasmin Espinoza had one assist each.

Lady Warrior keeper Makenzie Ray had six saves in the win, and reserve keeper Samantha Seghetti had three saves.

What's better is most of the Lady Warriors goals came off well-executed plays.

"Offensively, four out of our five goals were plays we built from the back. Having that ball control and movement was nice to see. It's been three weeks, and we've had three outdoor practices. It's been a challenge, and you're limited in what you're able to do.

"I was really, really happy to see the improvement we made. The goals the girls scored weren't flukes. The girls were thinking about what they wanted to do and created opportunities. We just need to keep building on that," said Davila.

Getting three different players to notch goals and three more to record assists bodes well for the Lady Warriors offense. If they can put together this multi-threat attack for each game, they'll be more difficult to stop come May.

"We don't want to involve just one or two players. It makes it easier for teams to zero out tactically. We had three different players score, and three players get assists. Rivers is not the only one who can score. We've also got Emma and Peyton, who can put it in the back of the net. It's exciting how all the girls are getting involved," said Davila.

Even with the Lady Warriors being limited by practicing indoors, that they can show progress from Week 1 to Week 2 only increases the potential for this group.

The Lady Warriors are taking their coach's words to heart about controlling their attitude and effort. They haven't even been able to work on crossing the ball or finishing but still found a way to score five goals last week.

"It is encouraging to see," said Davila about his team's improvement even with practicing indoors. "The girls have made progress and grown, regardless of the conditions and limitations we have inside. I can't wait to have that consistency, and once we start that, the growth we're making will be exponential. I tell the girls all the time they have two things they can control, their attitude and effort."

If the weather cooperates, a big if, Worland plays two conference games this week. First up is Buffalo on the road on Friday, followed by Newcastle coming to town on Saturday for a noon game.

The weather did improve enough this week for the Lady Warriors to get outside and practice. Building off that win against Powell, defense, crossing and finishing were the focuses.

"Defense was the main theme last week, and we'll always work on our defensive abilities. We'll keep working on keeping possession of the ball, switching the field and passing options. What I really want to get on this week is finishing. At times my wingers would say that wasn't a great cross, but I tell them we haven't been able to work on crosses this season," said Davila. "As soon as we're able to get outside, we'll get the ball to the wings and work on the crossing and finishing."