A quick look at the Neosho County women' s soccer roster reveals a small squad. That small roster was even smaller for the season opener Friday (Aug. 23) as two players were awaiting clearance for the athletic training staff. The small roster proved to a be a non-factor as the Panthers took down Northeastern Oklahoma A&M 4-1 to open the season.

The Panthers fell behind in the first five minutes as NEO scored the game's first goal to take a 1-0 lead. The lead was short lived, however, as the Panthers answered right back Morgan Rabe's cross deflected off an NEO defender to tie the game at 1.

Neosho County would take their first lead of the game with 20 left in the first half. The goal would come on a diagonal ball from Marlene Canchola to Mysha Mason who was able to put it over to the keepers head for her first goal of the season. The Panthers would take a 2-1 lead to the half

The Panthers would come out for the start of the second half a little disorganized but quickly regrouped. They would add on to their lead on Marlene Canchola's header on a cross from Morgan Rabe with 25 minutes remining.

The scoring was not done for the Panthers as they would add one more goal with 14 minutes remaining as Marissa Landes scored her first collegiate goal on a follow up.

"Overall we had great movement, shape, and ball control," said head coach Kourtney Clark. "We had minimal breakdowns and our defense played an outstanding game. They were very impressive in the second half."

The Panthers improve to 1-0 on the season with the win. Their next action will be Wednesday (Aug. 28) when they travel to Hesston College.