Natalie Kehl Mead Year: Senior Sport: Soccer Position: Forward

Natalie Kehl is used to scoring in spurts, but this fall the spurt has lasted longer.

The Mead senior has 12 goals in 12 matches and is one of the reasons, along with a stifling defense, the 6-0 Panthers are steaming along in the Greater Spokane League soccer season heading into a showdown Friday night at 6-0 University.

“Lately, things have been clicking,” the Panthers forward said. “Jenny Frazier and I have been working really well together. I’ve been in the right place at the right time.”

That may explain why Kehl, the league’s top scorer, is also leading the team with five assists.

“I would say Natalie is one of the silent leaders, she leads by her play,” new Mead coach Travis Hanson said. “When she’s fired up and playing well, we play well. Her intensity is catching.”

The key is keeping her on the field. What was originally thought to be shin splits could be a stress fracture. She had a bone scan this week but she is convinced she can keep playing. And she has incentive.

“With the split of the two (Mead) schools, one of our goals is to show we’re just as good,” Kehl said. “The split is not going to make Mead weak.”

So far so good. The Panthers are positioned to win their 12th consecutive GSL title with Kehl leading the charge.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo