The Panthers improved their record to 14-0-1 on the season after their 5-0 Sunday afternoon Region IV Quarterfinal victory over the College of DuPage.
Jean Leonardo led the way with a pair of goals in their statement victory to kick off the Region IV Tournament at home. Rafael Silverio had a goal to go along with an assist in the victory.
Having an advantage at home certainly has helped, but the No. 4 Panthers have their eyes set on the prize, which includes winning the Region IV championship.
Forward Luis Escalante brings the experience and talents that any team would love to have at their disposal. The talent has been on display all season, including his 10 goals and seven assists. Both are good for second on the team.
"I feel happy and proud of how far we have come, I believe that everything we have achieved until today is not because of luck but because of all the hard work we have put in every day of this season to be the best. The expectation for the playoffs is the same as at the beginning of the year which is to win it all. I believe that each one of us is working with a lot of responsibility to arrive in the best possible way to the semi-final," said Escalante.
Escalante contributed with his seventh assist during the 5-0 victory and is excited just like the rest of his teammates.
Rafael Silverio has been another star the team has been able to rely upon. The 16 goals and 8 assists are impressive numbers for a team that has a bevy of weapons.
"I'm extremely grateful and blessed to be part of this squad of winners. For sure the best team I've ever played with. Our playoff expectations coming from conference champions and the 1st seed in the Region IV Tournament couldn't be any different from making it all the way to the final and winning. Going to Nationals is our main goal for the season and that's what we have on our minds every day. As a team, we get together once a week to talk and spread the word of God. That's for sure one thing that is making a big difference and helping us to get mentally prepared for the games," said Silverio.
Milani Santos has been one of the more underrated players on a team that is loaded with sensational production. The experience certainly has played a role in their success this season. However, Santos discusses how well team chemistry has played an instrumental role.
"I feel that during the season we have good chemistry and know how each athlete plays. We developed our friendship and companionship for the playoffs where we trust each other and know what our goals are for the season. Trust and camaraderie on the field are key to keeping on track! The expectations for the playoffs are great, but we know that we have to keep our feet on the ground and think about this next game that is coming up. We are mentally and physically prepared for the game! A game that will be hard and intense but we will do everything to come out with a positive result," said Santos.
The final rankings also came out Monday afternoon in the NJCAA Division II poll. The Panthers (14-0-1) remained in the top five as the fourth-ranked squad. They have been ranked for the entirety of the season with a consistent top-five ranking since early October.
The 5-0 victory over DuPage in the Quarterfinal matchup was impressive, but the squad knows what lies ahead. A Wednesday Semifinal date with Rock Valley gets them one step closer to claiming a Region IV title.
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