Despite holding a 5-4 lead a little more than six minutes into the second half, the Union Co. girls soccer team couldn’t withstand a powerful Rabun Co. offense that outscored the Lady Panthers 4-1 over the final 34 minutes to earn the 8-6 region win Tuesday, March 3, in Blairsville.

Rabun Co. (2-1, 2-0 Region 8-AA) was led by an incredible performance from junior Lauren Barnes. Barnes scored early and often and netted seven total goals in the game.

The Lady Panthers (0-1, 0-1) were led by senior Desaray Patterson and sophomore Leia Whitener, who scored two goals each in the loss.

Freshman Kaylee Watts added a goal for the Lady Wildcats, while senior Mattison Ruff and freshman Italia Salazar added a goal each for Union Co.

The game was tied at five each in the 59th minute before Rabun Co. exploded for three goals in an eight-minute span to put the game away.

Both teams are slated to play region games next as Union Co. is slated to visit Monticello (2-3) and Rabun Co. is scheduled to host Social Circle (2-4, 0-1). Both games are set for kickoff at 5:30 p.m., Friday, March 6.

The current Region 8-AA standings are: Rabun Co. (2-0), Oglethorpe Co. (1-0), Banks Co. (1-0), Social Circle (0-1), Union Co. (0-1), Elbert Co. (0-2), Monticello (0-0), and Putnam Co. (0-0).