Manning’s hat trick, golden goal lifts Mt. Pleasant girls

MEDIAPOLIS — The Mt. Pleasant girls soccer team had a battle on their hands in Game 1 of the 2023 season on Tuesday night.

Led by defending Southeast Conference Player of the Year Elly Manning, the Panther girls beat Mediapolis 3-2 to start the season off right.

Manning had all three goals, including the golden goal in overtime to send Mt. Pleasant to victory.

Manning’s first two goals came in game-tying fashion. Down 1-0 with 33 minutes left in regulation, Manning broke loose for the goal to tie it at 1-1, and after Mediapolis regained the lead later in the half, Manning tied it once again to make it 2-2.

Manning is coming off a season in which she scored 35 goals for Mt. Pleasant.

The Panther girls were able to debut freshman keeper Eli Heaton, and she came up big in her first high school game, saving four shots to earn the win in net.

Mt. Pleasant is now 1-0 on the season. The Panthers will play at Central Lee on Friday night.