Park High School’s girls soccer team concluded a historic campaign by clinching the Southeast Conference championship, the program’s first in more than twenty years, and finished the season with a 16‑3‑1 record, the strongest performance since the mid‑2000s.
A Narrow Defeat in the Regional Final
The Panthers met Madison Edgewood in the WIAA Division 2 regional championship, where the opposition struck first at 16:56 with a header, and Park answered early in the second half through a goal assisted by senior forward Leylanna Cruz.
Coach Matt Maletis lauded the squad’s effort, emphasizing that the team’s cohesion and relentless spirit were the hallmarks of their breakthrough year.
Senior goalkeeper Rebekah Ruehle praised the defensive unit, noting that despite a flurry of chances that were denied by Edgewood’s back line, the team remained organized and competitive throughout.
Although the 2‑1 loss ended the season, the run included a first WIAA playoff victory and a series of moments — such as Cruz’s assist and the collective resilience highlighted by Ruehle — that will be remembered as a turning point for the program.