Great Bend Panthers Soccer Team Shows Promise in 2026 Season
The Great Bend High School Panthers girls soccer team is demonstrating significant progress under third-year coach Noel Rodriguez, overcoming a historical losing streak in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). While facing challenges, the team has shown improvement in scoring and competitiveness, signaling a positive trajectory for the 2026 season.
Overcoming a History of Losses
For seven years, the Great Bend Panthers struggled to secure victories within the WAC. However, that streak was broken in 2026 with a 2-1 win against Hays High, marking a turning point for the program. This victory followed a period of narrowing the scoring gap in WAC matches, reducing the differential from 46-2 in 2025 to 43-6 in the previous year. The team also achieved a 1-1 tie against Dodge City, the league’s second-best team.
Recent Performance and Key Players
The Panthers have demonstrated success in non-league matches, achieving a 5-2-2 record. Victories include Buhler, Junction City, Wichita Independent, and Wichita Home School, with ties against Salina Central and Wichita Independent. In a recent match on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, the Panthers dominated Topeka West with an 8-0 victory, leading 7-0 at halftime. Alexis Simon and Delailia Santana each scored two goals in the win.
Key players contributing to the team’s success include returning three-year starters Grecia Dominguez and defender Melissa Gutierrez. Xali Arias, a second-team All-WAC selection, is expected to continue leading the Panthers in scoring. Additional contributors include second-team All-WAC midfielder Teegan Guerra, midfielders Natalia Rodriguez, Valeria Cuevas, and Brissa Leyva, and junior second-team All-WAC Araceli Aguilera, who leads the defense.
Goalkeeping and Future Outlook
Dominquez, a standout goalie, will be supported by sophomore Paige Trendle. Defender Arieth Sanchez is also expected to contribute to the varsity squad. Coach Rodriguez is optimistic about the team’s potential, anticipating continued improvement and a pursuit of a winning season, with a focus on competing within the WAC.
Recent Match Results
- April 1, 2026: Great Bend 8, Topeka West 0
- Monday: Buhler 2, Great Bend 1 (Double Overtime) – Xali Arias scored for Great Bend.
Sources: Great Bend Tribune, Great Bend Tribune