Brandywine Heights found a way to keep its girls soccer season going into November, even after things looked bleak.
The Bullets discovered some postseason magic that led them to the District 3 Class 1A title and into the PIAA Tournament. But the ride ended with a thud Tuesday night at Leesport.
District 4 runner-up South Williamsport had too much speed and power and eliminated Brandywine with a 3-0 victory in a PIAA first-round game.
“Tonight let us down a little bit,” senior Emily Savitz said. “Nobody likes losing, but we also have to remember that we made history last week. I think it’s going to hurt a little bit tonight, but we also have to remember the highs and how much we accomplished.”
The Bullets (9-12) fell behind on Olivia Casella’s goal in the sixth minute and never recovered. McKaye Wilton scored in the 37th minute, and Aliegha Rieppel in the 51st minute for South Williamsport (19-2).
Brandywine’s best scoring chance came in the middle of the first half when freshman Ginneal Nova’s shot glanced off goalkeeper Laila Shams’ hands and then off the left post.
The Bullets spent most of the night chasing the Mounties.
“They came out aggressively,” Brandywine coach Sarah Soffa said, “wanting to win the ball and moving to every ball. We were caught on our heels initially. We picked it up and got up to speed for a little bit. Then they came out in the second half and really wanted it.
“They’re a very talented group of girls. They deserved to win.”
South Williamsport advanced to Saturday’s quarterfinals against Moravian Academy or Lakeland. The Bullets will reflect on their historic run in the district playoffs and their wins over the top three seeded teams after they began the season 3-10.
“I was hoping it (the season) would never end,” senior Riley Unger said. “I love these girls to the moon and back. I’m glad we got this far. I can’t wait to come back next year and see how much further these girls are going to come.”
Sophomore Olivia Moyer scored three goals in the district final against Harrisburg Christian and the game’s only goal in the overtime win over Fairfield in the semifinals. She returns, along with eight others who started Tuesday night.
Savitz, Unger, Natalie Adam and Madison Miller are the only seniors on the roster.
“These girls have lifted me up from so many things,” Unger said. “We’re truly a family. I have played with some of these girls since U-10. Leaving them is going to be very hard.
“The memories that we’ve had, the silliness and the goofiness and everything, I’ll remember it forever.”
On the clear, crisp night, their parents and friends waited 15 minutes to applaud them. They wanted to make sure the Bullets knew their accomplishment was appreciated.
“This year everything just aligned,” Soffa said. “The girls worked so hard for everything they got. It was not handed to them. This team understands what it takes to get here. It’s a great feeling to get here and to be here. Once you have it, you don’t want to let it go.”
Source: Berkshire mont
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