The seven seniors on Wyomissing’s girls soccer team accomplished something on Tuesday that evaded them during their first three seasons as Spartans — they won a state playoff game.
After falling in the opening round last year, Wyomissing defeated Montoursville 3-1 in the first round of the PIAA Class 2A playoffs at Flannery Field. The victory is the Spartans’ first in a state playoff match since 2008.
“Coming into this we were all hungry to go further in states this year,” senior Hannah Hurleman said. “Finally, to say that we got past that first round and we’re on to the quarterfinals, it’s super cool and super special.”
Led by two first-half goals from Hurleman, Wyomissing (23-1) jumped to an early lead. The Spartans had the possession advantage throughout and controlled the majority of the matchup.
Early in the first half, senior Isabell Marshall sent a cross into the 18-yard box and found Hurleman, who poked it into the net from close range. The pair have combined on a scoring play in each of Wyomissing’s last three games.
Less than seven minutes later, freshman Audrey Hurleman fired a cross into the 6-yard box intended for her sister, Hannah. After a few bounces and a touch from the Warriors’ goalkeeper, Hannah Hurleman connected to put the Spartans up 2-0.
“I was just there and I kicked it in,” Hannah Hurleman said. “Having that assist from my sister, that’s pretty cool, too.”
Wyomissing made it 3-0 late in the first half, as junior Cadi Hoke scored on a powerful free kick from about 35 yards away. The goal was Hoke’s first on a free kick this season.
“It definitely felt amazing,” Hoke said. “It’s one of my favorite things to do, so I definitely really enjoyed scoring off a free kick, especially in the first round of states.”
District 4 runner-up Montoursville (17-3-1) got on the board thanks to a successful penalty kick with less than four minutes remaining. Senior Lily Saul took the kick and blasted a shot into the right side of the net.
After playing away from home in the last two rounds of the district playoffs, the District 3 champion Spartans were glad to be back at Flannery Field. A large crowd was on hand.
“We feel the support from our community,” Hannah Hurleman said. “Playing here and having everyone come out and watch us play is super cool.”
Wyomissing will will face Allentown Central Catholic in a quarterfinal game Saturday, time and location to be determined.
“This is going to give us a lot of confidence,” Hannah Hurleman said about the win. “I think we’re ready for the next team, whoever we play.”
Source: Berkshire mont
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