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Pioneer Teams End Seasons in District Opener

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BY MONA STEINHAUER

The boys’ soccer team, girls’ volleyball team and the field hockey team all qualified for the District Three championships and opened post-season play last week. All three teams, however, suffered opening round losses.

BOYS’ SOCCER

What a difference a year makes. Coming off two wins for the 2021 season, Lampeter-Strasburg’s boys’ soccer team made it a mission to get back to the post season. And while they missed the Lancaster-Lebanon League playoffs, they were back in action last Monday, October 24 in the District Three 3A championships.

The No. 13 Pioneers (10-7-1) traveled to No. 4 KennardDale (15-1-1) geared for the upset. They battled but came home with a 2-1 loss.

L-S took an early lead when Dan Marcroft, the team’s leading scorer, netted his ninth goal of the season with a diving header in the 24th minute. Kennard-Dale tied the game on a penalty kick just a few minutes before the half.

“It was a rainy night and their final goal game on a shot from a distance and a rebound that was knocked home,” recalled head coach Chris Garraffa. “We had quite a few very good opportunities in each half. If we could have finished, that would have changed the momentum of the game.

“It was nice to have that layoff because we needed the rest,” he continued. “Playing every other day is exhausting and their bodies were starting to feel the effects.

“Last year we were a twowin team, crippled by injuries. This year we made our return to districts. Success is measured in different ways - personal growth, team growth, overall record and the ability to overcome adversity,” the coach stated. “We did all of those things this year and I couldn’t be more proud.

“We will sorely miss all of our seniors,” he added. “They contributed to the culture so greatly and I know they will go on to do great things. We will return eight starters next year and will be poised to come back stronger.”

VOLLEYBALL

After finishing the season tied for third place in Section Two with an 8-5 record, the Pioneers missed out on the Lancaster-Lebanon League playoffs but did qualify for districts for the second year in a row. Tuesday, Oct. 25 the 10th seed Pioneers traveled to face No. 7 Spring Grove in the opening round of the 3A bracket.

After starting out with a solid 25-21 first set win, L-S was hoping the momentum would help fuel an upset. The hosts however, rallied to win the next three 25-13, 25-20, 25-17 and ended Lampeter’s season.

“Last year none of our players, on the entire varsity roster, had ever been in a playoff situation,” noted head coach Sharon Mullin. “This year most of our players had been part of that experience so the first round went better. We came out strong and played well against the defending state champs.

“That first set was good volleyball,” she continued. “We were energized, played tough mentally and played smart. We served with confidence and hit well, and they had a few unforced errors that helped our momentum.”

In the second set L-S was called for a lineup issue so they lost the ball and the point. The hosts rallied and pulled away.

“The lineup issue was ultimately my fault,” said Mullin. “From there Spring Grove went on a scoring run that we could not stop and we had multiple unforced errors. It was frustrating after we had done so well in the first set.

“We made more plays in the third set but again, unforced errors took a toll,” she continued. “In the fourth set, we knew if we lost our season was over. We had moments of sheer joy and great volleyball, but in the end mistakes killed us

“Chloe Nolt played well and was a great leader on the court and on the bench,” praised Mullen. “She did a great job talking about the game and encouraging her teammates.

“And Emily Mullen set a great game,” she continued. “She’s a natural leader and set her hitters for single blocks and open nets.

“I am so proud of our team. The seniors I coached through middle school with Jen Schonour. I was not their coach freshman or sophomore years but what a privilege to be there at the end of their jouneys,” she said. “They have come so far, and I loved coaching them. The underclassmen did great and grew in mental toughness and talent this year. What an asset that will be next season.”

FIELD HOCKEY

The field hockey team missed out on the L-L League playoffs via tiebreakers against Elizabethtown as both schools finished with 6-3-1 Section Two records and tied for second place. The Pioneers did however qualify for the District Three 2A championships which got underway Wednesday, Oct. 26 with a road trip to Mechanicsburg (14-3-1). The fourth seed had the upper hand, taking control early and ending the 13th seeded Pioneers’ season with an 8-0 loss.

“I love the seniors! We had a slow start this season that turned into an exciting run,” said head coach Katrina Swarr. “I have hard workers who played until the last second. Before we started the fourth quarter, I told the girls to ‘make sure they played to the end and to leave it all on the field. Someday, that will be more important to them than the win.’ I truly believe they did that and for that I am proud of them.”

The Pioneers end their year at 9-8-1.

FOOTBALL

For a chance to play for the section title in week 10, L-S had to get past Conrad Weiser (2-4, 3-6 overall) on Friday, Oct. 28 and they did just that. Using a strong first quarter and a 17-0 second half advantage, the Pioneers toppled the Scouts 51-17.

“These kids put themselves in a position to play for a section title,” said head coach Victor Ridenour. “They’ve worked hard to get here.”

L-S outscored the visitors 20-3 in the first quarter with Carson Coleman (94 yards rushing on 12 carries) sandwiching two short TD runs around CW’s 46-yard field goal. Hunter Hildenbrand added an 85-yard run to end the quarter.

Trent Wagner found Dean Herr (2 receptions, 49 yards) with a 26-yard TD strike to start the second quarter, but the Scouts countered with two straight touchdowns to cut the lead to 21-17. That was as close as they would get. Wagner (9-12, 2 TDs) hit Hildenbrand (4 receptions, 115 yards) with a 53-yard pass to end the half and Peter Fiorello booted his fourth successful PAT to put L-S in front 34-17. “I think hitting the TD pass to Hunter after they scored twice was a huge turning point,” said Ridenour. “That and Tre’s pick six.”

Tre Spahr’s 11-yard interception return highlighted the third quarter while Fiorello kicked a 43-yard field goal and Julian Lopez, who topped the defensive charts with nine tackles, raced for a 30-yard TD to cap the scoring in the fourth.

Staff photo

Lampeter-Strasburg’s Kunj Savani takes control of the ball in front of Kennard-Dale’s Dylan Logue during the Pioneers’ 2-1, District Three AAA opening-round loss to the host Rams last Monday.

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