Give the Great Bend girls soccer team praise and a hug.

Six years after winning their last Western Athletic Conference soccer match, the Panthers lost 4-3 in heartbreaking fashion Thursday to Dodge City after leading 3-1.

Teegan Guerra scored the Panthers' first goal on Brissa Leyva's assist. Freshman sensation Xali Arias scored the Panthers' final two goals on assists by Valeria Cuevas and Teegan Guerra.

"Brissa had a great assist to Teegan, a really great pass," said Panther couch Noel Rodriguez. "Xali had some great dribbles to open up to those goals. "

Great Bend nearly pulled the season's biggest upset against the second-best WAC team at Cavanaugh Field.

Dodge City's Manuel Banuelos scored the game-winning goal in overtime to cap a rally from a 3-1 deficit. Dodge City's Banuelos, Yareli Garcia and Karime Rueda scored to force overtime at 3-3.

"The girls had a great performance," said Rodriguez. "We've been fighting injuries. Shout-out to the players filling in roles to help. Our subs put in great minutes."

Jillian Reimer replaced an injured Araceli.

"Jill stepped up and played Araceli’s spot well as a center-back," Rodriguez said. "Jillian would play anywhere I need her to and give her best for the team. She's a special captain. Natalia Rodriguez helped out with her voice, defensive pressure and passing. We're developing. We'll strive to continue to get stronger as a team." 

The Panthers (4-7-2, 0-7 WAC) have lost 39 consecutive league matches after beating Dodge City in 2019.

The Panthers have exhibited amazing progress from last year's 4-13 record. The Panthers are 4-0-2 in non-league matches, beating Buhler, Junction City, Wichita Independent and Wichita Home School and tying Salina Central and Wichita Independent.

HAYS 8, PANTHERS 0 — Hays High shut out Great Bend 8-0 in Tuesday's Western Athletic Conference girls soccer game.

Hays High's Annie Humphrey and Dani Willeford both scored three goals. Karlee Crispin and Jimena Perez scored goals

Hays High (6-6, 3-2 WAC) handed the Panthers their 38th consecutive Western Athletic Conference loss.

WAC SOCCER

Garden City 4-0-1 7-2-1

Dodge City 3-1-1 7-3-1

Hays High 3-2 6-6

Liberal 2-2 9-3

Great Bend 0-7 4-7-2