Golden Goals

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GOLDEN GOALS 2025

WILLIAMSPORT SUN-GAZETTE The Williamsport Sun-Gazette presents GOLDEN GOALS, the first digital-only magazine by the Williamsport Sun-Gazette newspaper, and the first digital-only magazine in Pennsylvania for high school soccer.

This e-magazine not only breaks down all of the area boys and girls soccer teams for the fall 2025 season, but includes stories on what it’s like being recruited for college to play soccer and what goes into the decision-making process; and a look at the Sun-Gazette boys and girls soccer preseason all-area teams.

The Williamsport Sun-Gazette’s e-magazine provides the most detailed, comprehensive coverage of soccer in central Pennsylvania.

INSIDE

THE NEXT LEVEL

Figuring out where to play college soccer at is far from easy. A look at what goes into soccer recruitment in high school for players wanting to compete at the next level.

Page 13

PRESEASON ALL-STARS

TEAM PREVIEWS

3 SOUTH GIRLS 4 SOUTH BOYS 5 WILLIAMSPORT GIRLS 6 WILLIAMSPORT BOYS 7 MONTOURSVILLE GIRLS 8 MONTOURSVILLE BOYS 9 LOYALSOCK GIRLS 10 LOYALSOCK BOYS 11 HUGHESVILLE GIRLS 12 HUGHESVILLE BOYS 17 MONTGOMERY GIRLS 18 MONTGOMERY BOYS 19 MUNCY GIRLS

20 MUNCY BOYS 21 JERSEY SHORE GIRLS

22 JERSEY SHORE BOYS 23 CENTRAL MTN. GIRLS 24 CENTRAL MTN. BOYS 29 WARRIOR RUN GIRLS 30 WARRIOR RUN BOYS 31 LEWISBURG GIRLS 32 LEWISBURG BOYS 33 MILTON GIRLS 34 MILTON BOYS 35 WELLSBORO GIRLS 36 WELLSBORO BOYS 37 N.P.-MANSFIELD GIRLS 38 N.P.-LIBERTY BOYS 39 SULLIVAN GIRLS 40 SULLIVAN BOYS

The area is packed with talent on numerous boys and girls soccer teams. A look at the preseason all-star teams for both.

DISTRICT GLANCE

Pages 25-28

Looking throughout District 4 to see what teams will be tough to beat this fall for both boys and girls soccer.

Pages 45-56

COLLEGE BREAKDOWN

Lycoming, Penn College, Lock Haven, Bucknell and Mansfield’s soccer teams are all eyeing successfull fall seasons in 2025.

Pages 57-65

Publisher John Leeser General manager Anthony Segraves Advertising sales manager John Leeser Editor Jon Gerardi

Editorial managers Karen Vibert-Kennedy Mike Maneval Production manager Chuck Smith Sports staff Chris Masse Design editor Timothy R. Wertz, Jr.

Copyright © 2025 by The Williamsport Sun-Gazette, a division of Ogden Newspapers, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or through any information or retrieval system, without permission from the publisher.

GOLDEN GOALS 2025

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SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT GIRLS

South girls have chance at 4 straight titles

By JON GERARDI

jgerardi@sungazette.com

S

outh Williamsport did something last year that very few teams get to experience by winning a third consecutive District 4 Class A girls soccer championship. And, this year, the Mounties have a chance to move into even more exclusive company if they pull off a four-peat.

Only two teams in District 4 girls soccer history have ever won four straight titles.

Central Columbia won four in a row from 2021-24 and Williamsport won five straight from 2016-20. A handful over the years since the early 1990s have claimed three straight, but it’s a short list of four-peat champions.

Ella Moore is a returning two-time all-state player and two-time Sun-Gazette Player of the Year. Moore is the heart and soul of South Williamsport’s offense. She became the program’s first-ever 100-goal, 50-assist player which says a lot given some of the talented players who have worn the blue and white jerseys. Moore can open up a game scoring wise at any point, but she’s not afraid to dish out assists and get her teammates in position to score.

The Mounties have a young team this year with 14 players of the team’s 21 being either sophomores or freshmen.

“It’s impossible to replace three first-team all-league players who anchored our defense and midfield for four years,” South coach Marc Lovecchio said. “Our expectations are to compete hard every match.”

After last year’s District 4 Class A championship win vs. Muncy, Moore noted that she likes seeing her teammates succeed on the field and does whatever she has to for the team to excel. Whether that be scoring a few goals or just getting defenders off teammates, she wants the team to be in the best position to win.

Althea Street returns and is one of the Mid-Penn’s top goalies. Last fall, Street had 10 shutouts for the Mounties and was a tough player to score against. Street’s only gotten better the last two seasons, so there’s no reason to think she’d fall off this year.

Expect Street’s ability between the pipes to have only gotten better.

“Althea is likely the most underrated keeper in the area,” Lovecchio said. “She is an outstanding player. She has improved every year and I expert her to anchor a revamped defensive line that I hope will be solid.”

The Mounties graduated Abby Akers, a standout who was key for South Williamsport the last four season. Akers helped solidify the midfield and was a threat to score || 3 ||

GOLDEN GOALS 2025

DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

South Williamsport has a handful of players to replace, such as Olivia Loudenslager (above), who helped the Mounties win their third consecutive district title last year. and assist just about every game. Akers will definitely be a big hole for the Mounties to replace, but the cupboard isn’t at all bare and South has plenty of players who can step up and take over. Akers was a firstteam Mid-Penn all-star selection at midfield.

Another Mid-Penn all-star first-team selection who graduated is Olivia Reagan, a standout defender on the back line who was key in helping South Williamsport excel and preventing teams from scoring. Only a handful of teams scored multiple goals against South, and Reagan helped control that back line and prevent goals.

“We always hope to battle for a district title, but given our schedule it may be tough

to even qualify for the district playoffs,” Lovecchio said. “The Mid-Penn will be very competitive; likely the most competitive I have seen it in years.”

There’s pressure to sustain success and remain at the top of the mountain. With that said, South Williamsport’s players are the type to embrace it and balance the fine line between having fun and having high standards. The Mounties have a very solid chance to win a fourth consecutive District 4 championship this year in Class A, but in sports nothing is guaranteed and the Mounties players and coaches know that to win another title, they have to go out and play their best.

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT BOYS

Mounties want to build off last year’s successes on the field

By JON GERARDI

jgerardi@sungazette.com

L

ast season was one the South Williamsport boys soccer team likely wants to erase and move past.

After a run of five consecutive seasons reaching the District 4 playoffs and reaching at least the quarterfinals each time, South Williamsport had a slight setback in 2024 by going just 5-13.

It was a rough year, but Chris Vanaskie has done a solid job as a coach by keeping his team on the right path and being competitive.

Consider that five of South’s losses last year were just one goal games, and that 5-13 record could have instead been 10-8. That’s a positive sign for a Mounties squad that lost just four seniors.

“This season we will once again be aiming to make districts, but we know it will be a challenge with one of the toughest schedules,” Vanaskie said.

Competing within the Mid-Penn means South will have to bring their A-game each afternoon.

“Every game in the Mid-Penn will be difficult this season,” Vanaskie said. “Half of our conference games last year were decided by one goal and I wouldn’t be surprised if this year is similar.”

There’s plenty of returning talent for South Williamsport this fall. Offensively, the Mounties bring back Gavin Freas, a junior last year who scored three goals. He’ll likely be looked at this year to step up and be a huge key contributor to lift the offense and provide a spark scoring wise. He also had four assists, which tied teammate Logan Harris for the most on the team.

A key piece back is goalie Dylan Webb. The Mountie recorded 78 saves last year and had a .800 save percentage and recorded more than 1,000 minutes between the sticks. Webb also posted two shutouts, which can help boost his confidence as he’s back this year. No doubt Webb put in time and training over the offseason and should have only gotten better from last fall to this season.

The bad news for South Williamsport is the Mounties have to replace essentially their entire scoring offense. One of the biggest losses for the Mounties is Evan Ogden. The senior had a team-high seven goals and was a huge piece of the Mounties offense. If he wasn’t scoring, he was often drawing away defenders to allow teammates such as Josh Lynn or Logan Harris to get into scoring position. Lynn, Harris and Michael Yoas were all seniors and that group combined for 18 of the team’s 24 goals.

“We will be looking for leadership from players like Gavin Freas, David Miller and Carson Harris,” Vanaskie said. “Dylan Webb and Ian Rieppel will anchor the defense.”

South Williamsport is going to be young, the team had 15 players last year who were either freshmen or sophomores, but they can only go upwards from here.

DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

South Williamsport’s Logan Harris is one player the Mounties have to replace this year. The Mounties’ boys soccer team loses majority of their scoring offense as Harris, Josh Lynn and Evan Ogden all graduated and were key goal scorers last fall.

GOLDEN GOALS 2025

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WILLIAMSPORT GIRLS DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Williamsport brings back a good core from last year’s team which reached the District 2-4 Class AAAA championship game.

Playing for gold? Millionaires hope to get back

By JON GERARDI

jgerardi@sungazette.com

W

illiamsport had a rough ending to its season each of the last two years. In 2023, Williamsport lost a 4-3 overtime heartbreaker to Delaware Valley to get denied a district title. Last fall? It was a brutal 1-0 loss to Wilkes-Barre Area in the final, again denying the Millionaires those elusive gold medals.

It’s been just four years since Williamsport hoisted the District 2-4 Class AAAA championship plaque, and the Millionaires keep knocking on the door. Does Williamsport have the talent to win it this year and break through? Absolutely.

But time will tell how the 2025 season will end. Coach Beckham Sibiski has a lot of talent on his roster and plenty of potential this year to build off last year’s 10-win team.

“My expectations for team this year are to contend at the top of the PHAC-I and to win the District 2-4 championship,” Sibiski said. “We have finished fourth the last two years in the PHAC-I, and lost in the final the last two years at districts. We return a strong core from last year and many of my seniors have had plenty of experience throughout their careers.”

The Millionaires bring back nearly all of its goal production last year. Among them || 5 ||

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is Deborah Shultz (12 goals, seven assists) and Jaelynn Helmrich (nine goals, 13 assists). Shultz and Helmrich both played in all 21 games Williamsport played last year and were a dynamic duo throughout the season.

Shultz averaged 0.6 goals per game, behind only standout Nylah Ford, and was a player defenses had to account for. That goes for Helmrich too, who routinely was in position to score and was a huge asset for teammates as she had a team-high 13 assists and always found the feet of teammates who put goals in.

In addition to that duo, Williamsport brings back Breah Phillips (six goals) as well. Phillips was a sophomore last year and no doubt only improved throughout the offseason. The Millionaire played in 18 games and emerged throughout the year as a player who helped open up the offense, be it for herself to score or for helping Shultz, Ford or Helmrich get into position to find the back of the net.

“This year I believe the team’s biggest strengths are experience and depth. There are quite a few seniors that have played varsity since they were either freshmen or sophomores,” Sibiski said. “In addition to this, we are bringing in a strong class of freshmen, as well as sophomore returners that saw a lot of varsity action, perhaps unexpectedly, last year. Colelctively, between the experience and depth, practices

have been more competitive than I’ve seen previously over my four years of coaching.

Players are competing for spots daily, but still coming together as a team, recognizing our goals.”

A big hole to fill will be Ford who graduated last year. Ford had a great senior season last year after missing some of the season due to a leg injury, but she still ended the year as the team’s goal leader with 13 goals. Ford helped spread the defenses of any team the Millionaires faced.

Ford came just shy of reaching 50 goals for her career, but she left a big mark on the program in her time in the red and white.

In goal, Williamsport willa need to replace Chloe Pennings, a standout keeper who recorded 96 saves last year and recorded 1,456 minutes of action. Pennings helped Williamsport stay in games against tough teams. Williamsport held 11 teams last year to one or fewer goals in games.

Beckham Sibiski has done a great job the last two years getting the best out of his players and while the team may suffer some tough losses during the regular season, they peak when it matters once the district playoffs roll around. That’s what any coach wants is their team playing their best in late October and early November.

The Millionaires have a lot of offensive production back, and should once again be threats in District 2-4 in Class AAAA to make a run to the final.

WILLIAMSPORT BOYS

Williamsport eyeing another solid year

By JON GERARDI

jgerardi@sungazette.com

T

here may not have been a ton of wins last fall, but that doesn’t mean Williamsport wasn’t successful. The Millionaires got back to the District 2-4 Class AAAA quarterfinals for the second straight year under firstyear coach Brett Hofstrom.

Williamsport suffered a tough loss though just 1-0 — the second straight 1-0 loss to the Wolfpack in the quarterfinals. But getting to the postseason last year was a step towards staying consistent and remaining playoff contenders.

It was also the 11th consecutive season the Millionaires found themselves in the playoffs in late October. The Millionaires are searching for their first district title since 2020.

“The expectations are to increase the number of wins from last year and to win a district title,” Hofstrom said.

“Those should be the expectations year after year.”

Brayden Ungard was a HAC-I firstteam all-star last year at forward and was a pivotal part of Williamsport’s offense. Unfortunately for the Millionaires, they won’t have him back this year. Ungard is focusing on football, leaving an offensive hole to fill on the pitch. He led the Millionaires with 14 goals scored — averaging 1.2 per game — and dished out three assists. He did all that as a sophomore as well.

But the team has players who can step up and fill that void.

“The players we are looking to increase from last year’s goal totals are Connor Hofstrom, Isaac Balza, Trace Towns, Levi Gair, Spencer Kaar,” Hofstrom said. “Each of those players has the ability to create high quality scoring opportunities as well as their unselfishness to work as a unit to break down defenses.”

Connor Hofstrom is a returning third-team all-conference midfielder, but coach Hofstrom added that the other players noted will step up and be all-conference at the end of the year.

Kaar was a sophomore as well in 2024 and led Williamsport with five assists. Kaar played well when he was on the field as he appeared in 16 games last year, and the Millionaire has only improved from last year to this season.

Kaar should emerge as a talented offensive threat in 2025 that teams will need to focus on.

Replacing a goalie isn’t ever easy, but thankfully Williamsport isn’t in that boat. Williamsport returns Max Fink, a sophomore last year who played in all 16 games for WIlliamsport and recorded 1,275 minutes of action between the pipes. He recorded four shutouts and had 85 saves, averaging 5.3 per game.

As a sophomore, he was battle tested and put up against tough teams all year.

Expect that to have only benefited him moving forward.

Williamsport lost HAC-I second-team defenders Tadd Ungard and Parker Johnson, both who were key pieces to the Millionaires’ back line.

Both of them played well all year long and helped Williamsport stay in games and limited opposing forwards from getting easy looks at the goal.

Williamsport graduated Tarrell Brown, a third-team HAC-I forward all-star who was second on the team in goals scored, tied with Tadd Ungard with three, who also graduated.

“Our midfield positioning will be what will make our team hard to play against,” Hofstrom said. “I also believe that the vocal leadership starting with Max Fink, Charlie Plummer and Spencer Kaar will help our team succeed.”

Williamsport has plenty of pieces back to build off last year’s seven-win season and get back to the postseason.

Coach Hofstrom did a solid job in his first year replacing 120-win coach Lee Kaar, and expect Hofstrom in 2025 to once again have the Millionaires in districts.

DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Tarell Brown is a player Williamsport will have to replace this season as he graduated.

Have a Great Season!

Josephine “Josie” Latini Owner 1231 Sheridan St, Williamsport, PA 17701 ph: 570-666-4915 • fax: 570-666-4954 GOLDEN GOALS 2025

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MONTOURSVILLE GIRLS

Bennett sisters back to lead the Warriors

By JON GERARDI

jgerardi@sungazette.com

I

t’s crazy to think how good Montoursville has been under coach Vic Gorini. Since he took over the program in 2014, the Warriors only know success.

The Warriors have had just one losing season since 2014 — an 8-10-1 record in 2018 — but still made the playoffs that season and reached the quarterfinals.

The point is, Montoursville knows what it takes to win and be competitive and last year was a prime example of that.

Montoursville opened last year 1-3-2 but the team and coach Gorini never wavered from their game plan. They went out and competed game after game and rallied to make the playoffs late, and played a unbelievably talented Hughesville team great in the playoffs and lost by just a goal.

The Warriors finished last year 10-7-2 and there’s no doubt Montoursville can build off that success.

“We expect to be competitive with everyone we play this season and we anticipate playing in many close, exciting games,” Montoursville coach Vic Gorini said. “If we stay healthy and make progress, we could be both a league and district contender by the end of the season.”

And the community spirit and support is something that Gorini sees as the team’s strength this fall.

“The Lady Warriors’ strength will be their sense of community spirit and their unconditional support for each other,” Gorini said. “Many teams have talented players but we hope to once again stand out with our players coming together on the field as a team and showing the strength and resiliency to win those close games this season.”

Kenna Bennett was an absolute stud of a

NICK FIORINI/Sun-Gazette Correspondent

Montoursville brings back Kenna Bennett (above) and sister Khaya, an outstanding 1-2 scoring duo who are extremely tough for opposing defenders and midfielders to contain.

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GOLDEN GOALS 2025

player last year and was a huge reason for the Warriors’ offensive prowess. The Warrior scored a team-high 16 goals last year and dished out six assists and often times, defenders and midfielders had no way to contain her or slow her down.

What made it even tougher for defenses was the fact Kenna’s sister Khaya was just as dominant, and she was only a freshman.

Khaya Bennett ended the year with eight goals and three assists and was a threat to score every single game. The Bennett sisters both received HAC all-star recognition and were both Sun-Gazette all-star selections as well.

Both are back, meaning the Warriors have a ton of offensive firepower as they will be the focal point up top once again.

“Kenna Bennett returns as our captain and leading scorer from last season. She will be vital to our success on the field and is a strong leader for us,” Gorini said. “We anticipate her connecting regularly with her sister Khaya during any offensive attacks.”

On the defensive end, goalie Raigan Fredericks is back and gives the Warriors a boost on the back line. Fredericks had 87 saves last year, four shutouts and was hard to score again.

The Warriors graduated seven seniors and have a lot to replace.

Paige Boyle and Leah Kaufman were key contributors to the team and will be players that the Warriors will need to look to fill their shoes.

Montoursville is always a district playoff contender each year. The names and numbers on the jersey change, but the success is always a constant. Expect Montoursville to once again be a playoff contender in Class AA this year. The Warriors have a lot of talent returning, and they’ve only gotten better since last year. Gorini will have his team ready to go from Day 1 and will look to avenge last fall’s playoff loss to Hughesville.

MONTOURSVILLE BOYS

MAHS boys eyeing another playoff berth

By JON GERARDI

jgerardi@sungazette.com

T

wo years ago, Montoursville’s boys soccer team won its first postseason game in the 2000s by defeating North Penn-Liberty in a rout.

While Montoursville went oneand-done last year, the Warriors no doubt want to make winning in the postseason a common occurrence rather than a rarity.

Montoursville won the most games in a single-season last year (13) since 2013, and Bryan Pauling has done a solid job keeping Montoursville on the winning side of things.

Montoursville has won 25 games the past two seasons after back-to-back nine-win seasons.

Montoursville returns Mason Fry in goal.

Last year the sophomore had 58 saves and averaged 3.1 per game and ended the year with a .800 save percentage. Fry was solid all season in goal with 1,520 minutes recorded. He recorded nine shutouts and held a solid Wellsboro team to just one goal in the postseason.

The Warriors bring back both of their top two goal scorers. First-team HAC-II midfielder Quinn Winslow, a junior last year, scored 12 goals and had a team-high 13 assists last season for Montoursville. The Warriors also return CJ Lucas, a sophomore last year with 12 goals scored and five assists. That offensive duo will be relied on this year to help carry the team.

Montoursville also has first-team HAC-II forward Bryce Winslow back after his sophomore season.

Montoursville has to look to replace Gavin Hawley. The senior last year scored nine goals and dished out six assists and was named a HAC-II third-team all-star selection.

A key piece to replace is Brayden McCourt who was on the back line for the Warriors.

McCourt earned HAC-II first-team honors as a defender last year and helped the defense record nine shutouts.

Montoursville also graduated Sean Fry. The Warrior was a standout midfielder and garnered honorable mention HAC-II honors last year. He’ll be a tough player to replace who helped limit offense in the midfield from opposing teams and control things.

Montoursville has continued to play well the last two years, and 2025 won’t be any different.

The Warriors have a solid group back from last year’s team and Montoursville should once again be in the playoff picture this fall and vying within the league for a spot near the top.

Pauling has done solid as a coach with Montoursville, and he’ll keep the Warriors playing well this year and look to surpass the 13-win mark.

MARK NANCE/ Sun-Gazette Correspondent

Montoursville will have to replace Gavin Hawley (5) from last year’s team which reached districts.

GOOD LUCK THIS SEASON!

400 BROAD STREET GOLDEN GOALS 2025

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LOYALSOCK GIRLS

Lancers hope to use 2024 as building blocks

By JON GERARDI

jgerardi@sungazette.com

T

he last few years have been a little rough for the Loyalsock girls soccer program. The team hasn’t won more than eight games in a season since 2017, but while the losses may be tough, there’s been plenty of progress the last few years.

After back-to-back three-win seasons in 2022 and 2023, Loyalsock broke through last year and improved by going 8-10-1 and, most importantly, reaching the postseason for the first time since 2018. Loyalsock fell to eventual state champion Central Columbia in a lopsided District 4 Class AA quarterfinal, but any experience is good experience and Loyalsock’s returning players got a taste of what it takes to compete against the best District 4 has. That only will be beneficial this fall for the Lancers and Loyalsock no doubt is going to look to build off that success.

Mark Pysher got the most from his team last year and fans should expect more of the same this year.

“My expectations for this season are to continue focusing at what we can control.

Work on improving our skill, intelligence and teamwork, playing quality soccer,” Pysher said. “Building a culture that is positive and supporting these players as they work hard and grow into the best possible team that they can be.”

Loyalsock has a good group of players returning who had experience last year and will provide sparks. Among them is Madison Perry. She was just a freshman last year and had the second-most goals on the team with five. With Lauren O’Malley having graduated, teams and fans can expect to see Perry step up offensively and try to make up for that goal production that O’Malley leaves.

“I believe that they have the potential to make the playoffs again, hopefully they believe it too. Despite losing several seniors, including our top scorer Lauren O’Malley, we have several players that are able and willing to step up and do what is needed for the team,” Pysher said.

The Lancers also have scorers Elaina Burkins and Reese Temple back who scored four and three goals, respectively. While it isn’t a huge amount of goals, it’s experience nonetheless and an offseason of practices only has made them both better players.

Last year Loyalsock saw Ava Deknecht compete in goal for 10 games (140 minutes) and get time, and Deknecht played great as a freshman when she got time. That varsity experience is invaluable and hard to || 9 ||

GOLDEN GOALS 2025

DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Loyalsock will be without Adara Whitehead (4) this year after she graduated. replicate in practices. Deknecht recorded 28 and soul of Loyalsock’s offense. Replacing a saves in her time in goal last year and she’ll HAC all-star selection like O’Malley is far likely be looked at to step up in goal this from easy to do and a talented player like year with starter McKenna Daniels having that doesn’t come around every year. graduated.

“I’m very proud of the effort and improveDaniels was a great keeper last year, ment this team has made in just two years. playing in 16 games and recording a total of Their grit and determiniation make them a 660 minutes last year. Daniels had a teamteam to not be overlooked.” high 121 saves last year.

Loyalsock got a taste of the postseason As noted though, getting that valuable last year for the first time in six years, so time last year will help Deknecht step up expect the players to want to get back and and play well if she gets called on to be the go further. The Lancers have the ability to team’s starter between the pipes. compete with teams in the league, and while It’s tough to replace a senior leader, and replacing offensive weapons like Lauren even more so when that senior was the key O’Malley is far from easy, Loyalsock has piece of your offense. Loyalsock lost fourplenty on the roster back who have the talyear standout Lauren O’Malley who had a ent and ability to step up. If Loyalsock plays team-high 20 goals last year and dished out the way its capable of under Pysher again, a team-high eight assists. The Lancer averexpect Loyalsock to match or surpass its aged 1.3 goals per game and was the heart eight wins last year.

LOYALSOCK BOYS MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspodnent

Gavin Grieco and Evan Anderson both graduated, leaving two big holes for Loyalsock to fill this season.

Last year set a great foundation for Lancers

By JON GERARDI

jgerardi@sungazette.com

L

ast year was an outstanding season for the Loyalsock boys soccer program. Coach Steve Ertel saw the team earn its first 10-win season since the 2019 season in which the Lancers went 16-3-1.

Ertel is only in his fourth season as coach, and he’s helping the program get in the right direction and compete in the district.

Last year Loyalsock returned to the playoffs after having a run of five straight district quarterfinal appearances snapped in 2023. Loyalsock also had a five-win improvement in 2024 from going 5-12-1 the year prior.

Ertel praised goalie Connor Lang numerous times last year after games, and if you watched him play, you’d have seen why. Lang played 13 games in goal and recorded just 36 saves, but he had a number of great stops throughout the season.

He had a shutout last year and averaged 2.8 saves per game. Lang always played his best in goal regardless of opponent and he’s one player that will be key for Loyalsock’s success again this year between the pipes.

Wesley Johnson was only a freshman last year, but he got valuable playing time in six games and was on the field for a total of 80 minutes last year, and in that time was able to score two goals and dish

out two assists. While those numbers don’t pop out, take into consideration that he got time against some tough opponents on Loyalsock’s schedule, and it gave Johnson valuable time and experience he couldn’t get otherwise. With three senior goal scorers graduating, look for Johnson to be a key contributor up top.

It’s hard to replace a player like Evan Anderson. The HAC all-star selection and Sun-Gazette all-star pick led the Lancers with an impressive 17 goals and added six assists, tied for most on the team, as Anderson was a player opposing defenders and midfielders had to account for. Anderson’s goal scoring abilities was a huge reason the Lancers reached the District 4 playoffs, and replacing a player like him is

far from easy.

Another offensive player Loyalsock loses is Gavin Grieco, a senior who had nine goals and six assists last fall. The combination of Grieco and Anderson was a solid 1-2 combination that led to a lot of offense and the two fed off one another, often opening up the offense for teammates.

Ertel will do a solid job keeping Loyalsock focused and looking to build off last year’s success. Nothing’s guaranteed in sports, and Ertel and his team know that.

Loyalsock took some tough losses last year — such as an 8-0 loss to Central Columbia in early September — but Loyalsock learned from those mistakes last fall and will build and improve this year to once again be playoff contenders.

Have a Great Season!

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HUGHESVILLE GIRLS

HHS girls eyeing another great season

By JON GERARDI

jgerardi@sungazette.com

H

ughesville put together it’s best season in program history last year. The Spartans competed for a District 4 title for the first time ever and made their first state playoff berth in 22 years.

Hughesville finished 15-6-1 and edged Montoursville in a district quarterfinal thriller 1-0 before blanking Troy, 4-0, in the semifinals. The Spartans held the No. 2-ranked team in the state in Central Columbia to just one goal in the district final in a 1-0 loss before falling to No. 1-ranked Northwestern Lehigh in the first round of the PIAA playoffs, 4-0.

To say the Spartans were battle tested and experienced last year would be a vast understatement. Coach Cody Hack did an outstanding job having his team ready and prepared for anyone that stepped on the field against them, and had a season to remember. Here’s thinking that Hack, the players and Hughesville fans are hoping this year is just as memorable, if not more.

“Our expectations never change. We need to play with heart, find the next opportunity to play, and leave this program in a better position than when you entered,” Hack said. “With having only 25 on the roster this year, this team has found each other in an unspeakable bond. They know if they want to build on last year, top-to-bottom on our roster has to be held to a very high standard.”

Speedster Kylie Temple — a standout on the Hughesville girls track and field team who won state gold in the 300 hurdles this past spring in Shippensburg — is back up top and gives Hughesville a ton of offensive firepower this year once again.

She led the Spartans with 14 goals and had six assists last year and was a player that not many defenders could keep up with if they got into a sprint. Temple was only a junior last year and brings a ton of talent back with her.

The Spartans also have Elizabeth Wolfe back, another junior who scored six goals last year — tied for second most with Sadia Ammar-Khodja — and had a team-high 13 assists. Wolfe did an excellent job reading defenses and being able to perfectly distribute passes to her open teammates to score Ammar-Khodja will be a player that’s tough to replace. She scored six goals and had three assists last year and was a threat to score in most games and helped do a lot of things as a forward. When she || 11 || GOLDEN GOALS 2025

MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent

The Spartans reached last year’s District 4 Class AA championship game for the first time and qualified for states for the first time in 23 years. wasn’t scoring, she was able to help draw defenders away from Temple or Wolfe.

Like Ammar-Khodja, Lexi Kurzawa and Alli Anstadt were good players who could score when needed. Kurzawa scored four goals and had two assists while Anstadt had four goals and one assist last year.

One of Hughesville’s biggest losses is Bailey Gavitt. She was an outstanding goalie for the Spartans and was a key reason Hughesville only lost six games as she had 81 saves, averaged 3.9 per game, and recorded eight shutouts. And, of those eight shutouts, two came in the playoffs including one against a tough Montoursville team. Gavitt was in goal for 1,680 minutes and leaves a huge void to fill as one of the area’s top goalies.

“Keeping a goose egg on the other side of the scoreboard is always the goal. We pride ourselves on all 11 playing proper defense, not just the back line,” Hack said.

“We had to replace three quality starters in Alli Anstadt and Abby Tripoli, and our

keeper Bailey Gavitt, but last year’s seniors did a perfect job in passing the torch within the season.

“They pushed the rest of the roster, which enabled us to hit the ground running this year,” Hack continued.

Hughesville has a lot back, notably Temple and Wolfe up top as mentioned, and bring back plenty more throughout the midfield and defense. While goalie will be a question mark after the graduation of Gavitt, there’s plenty of players who can step up in goal this year.

Hack has done a solid job over his time at Hughesville as the program’s coach adjusting and moving players around, and he’ll have a game plan in place for the Spartans to stay competitive and make another deep playoff run.

“Our league has some very quality squads. You never now how some of these games are going to play out,” Hack said.

“It’s always a dog fight within District 4 and the playoffs, and we can’t wait to get the season moving.”

HUGHESVILLE BOYS

Spartans looking to get back to playoffs

By JON GERARDI

jgerardi@sungazette.com

F

or the first time since 2014, Hughesville fans will have to get used to seeing a new coach walking the sidelines during Hughesville boys soccer

games.

After n 11-year run at the helm, Hughesville coach Jim Dennis stepped down and called it a career after last season. Dennis accumulated 76 wins during that span — 24 of whcih came during back-to-back 12-win campaigns in 2018 and 2019.

Dennis was a passionate coach and believed in the Spartans, and that passion will carry over with Hughesville’s new coach this fall.

The Spartans haven’t seen the playoffs since 2019, but Hughesville has knocked on the door the last few seasons. Hughesville was just shy last year of reaching the playoffs and missed out in 2023 by just one game after an impressive 5-0 start. That 8-10 season in 2023 was also the most wins since 2019, meaning the Spartans have kept working to improve the last few years.

“I have high hopes for this upcoming season. Among the various goals for this season, I would say that making it to the district playoffs is our first priority,” firstyear coach Cole Lesher said. “From there, my aim is to capitalize on our opportunities and make the most of them to extend that playoff run.”

The Spartans bring back a huge offensive weapon in Sam Haddon, a HAC-II second-team forward last year. Haddon led the team in goals scored with 10, the only player with double-digit goals produced, and added two assists.

Carter Gormont is also back for Hughesville to provide a spark offensively. As a freshman, he scored nine goals, second-most on the team, and added two assists. Gormont will only have gotten better from his freshman season into his sophomore year, and look for him to be a key piece of Hughesville’s offense.

The Spartans bring back in total four other players who were freshmen last year who got valuable varsity time on the field.

Hughesville will need to replace Jarrett Easton, a talented goalie who logged 1,395 minutes through all 18 games last year and recorded 74 saves with four shutouts recorded. Easton averaged 4.1 saves per game and was tested frequently throughout the regular season. But good news for Hughesville is the Spartans saw a pair of

DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Sam Haddon returns for his senior season this year with Hughesville. players see some time in goal last year.

Quynn Hartman graduated and was a HAC-II first-team defender, the only Spartan last year to garner first-team league honors. That will be a tough hole to replace on the back line.

Replacing a long-time coach is far from easy, but Lesher has a solid core back from last year’s 7-9-2 team. The Spartans

may have missed the postseason last year, but that doesn’t mean the building blocks aren’t there. Hughesville has the chance to build off that and make a playoff push.

“Above all, the team’s greatest strength is that of their rapport and togetherness,” Lesher said. “I believe that this chemistry and their connection to one another will correlate to a successful season.”

GOLDEN GOALS 2025 || 12 ||

|| 15 || GOLDEN GOALS 2025

RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent

Williamsport’s Nylah Ford (20) meets with officials during a player and coaches meeting prior to the beginning of a game last season. Ford will play in college at California (Pa.).

By JON GERARDI

jgerardi@sungazette.com

E

lla Moore can remember during her junior year getting texts from college coaches who were hoping to have her play for their program. They’d text her to let her know they just signed another recruit, hence another roster spot was taken.

It would be a number of coaches reaching out to inform the South Williamsport standout of their roster. Each text added a little bit more anxiety and pressure for Moore.

Do I sign here or there?

Which roster should I join?

“The pressure was on for me at that point. I really grew to love those coaches, the university and their programs that were on my final list,” Moore said. “There did come a time when they NICK FIORINI/Sun-Gazette Correspondent pressure you much harder, South Williamsport’s Ella Moore competes against Montoursville last because they want you to fall. Moore will play in college next year at Bloomsburg University. make your decision and

they want an answer. That was a little scary and overwhelming for me too, but that’s their job and how the process works.”

That’s the life of a high school soccer player in central Pennsylvania who catches the eye of a college program. The recruitment process can be crazy and overwhelming, but it pays off in the end by being able to go to the next level and compete.

Lycoming County and surrounding communities in District 4 are filled with talented soccer players at various different positions.

Every year numerous go on to play at the college level.

Not everyone knows what that recruitment process is like, however, but Moore and Williamsport standout Nylah Ford both went through it and both are NCAA-bound, living the dream of playing soccer in college next.

Moore signed her letter of intent to compete at Bloomsburg while Ford will GOLDEN GOALS 2025 || 14 ||

DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

South Williamsport’s Ella Moore competes during last year’s District 4 Class A championship vs. Muncy. Moore will play in college next year at Bloomsburg University. compete at California (Pa.).

Getting noticed is always important when it comes to being recruited to play at the next level. While talent speaks for itself, you still need to have college coaches and recruiters see you play. That’s where travel teams such as North Union United in Lewisburg, Penn FC in central Pennsylvania and other soccer clinics can become extremely beneficial.

“Not only just for recruiting but the training that you get in the offseason is so beneficial. I’ve always played on a club team. I’ve played with NUU since middle school and my sophomore year when I really, really trained with them I went from having four goals to 24 goals in my junior year,” Ford noted. “Not only could I feel and see the growth within my body, it truly made all my teammates see how much you can get better as a player and person if you put the work in and if you truly want it.”

Ford mentioned how it can be tough being recruited in the area.

“I definitely say getting recruited for soccer in specifically Williamsport is diffi|| 15 || GOLDEN GOALS 2025

cult. I was blessed to have a lot of schools reach out to me based off of just my film,” Ford said. “Playing on different teams that can go to different cities was not only a lot of fun, but a good way to connect with other athletes from schools around us, and you get exposure to coaches that sometimes can’t come and see you play.”

It’s something South standout Moore echoes.

“I feel that playing highly competitive club soccer is very beneficial when entering the recruiting circle. Recruiters are very present at our college showcases and tournaments. Our profiles are given by our club coach to each college coach attending our games,” Moore said, noting it lists their club name, positions played, high school GPA, intended major and accolades.

“When we commit, that too is added to the top of our profile sheet. Playing club soccer gets your name out there and in front of college coaches, unlike high school soccer, especially if you play for a small school.”

There’s also ID clinics, essentially short, focused-trained sessions which allow college coaches to evaluate players.

“I was always in fear of making mistakes or doing the wrong things (at ID clinics). Now that I look back at the 20some ID camps that I attended, that was the whole point. The coaches wanted to see how you handled the mistakes and how you worked hard to fix them,” Moore said.

“They also played me in various positions on the field and at first, I was worried that I wasn’t doing a good enough job. When in the end they would tell me that they loved how versatile of a player I was and how I could adapt to various positions during a game.”

Moore got her decision out of the way early after her junior year so she won’t have to worry or stress about it as she embarks on her final year in a blue and white South uniform.

“As I get ready to begin my senior year of high school this fall, I am proud to be committed to play Division II college-level soccer and continue my soccer career at Bloomsburg University. It is an honor for me to have this opportunity from Coach (Matt) Haney to play at Bloom and I will continue to work hard to be an asset to

my coaches, staff and teammates,” Moore said.

All sorts of decisions go into playing at college. Distance from home, financial consideration, possibility of becoming a starter early on, the competitiveness of the program. The list goes on.

Those factors all came into play as well for Ford, who pointed out the financial side was the biggest factor to head to California (Pa.).

“I knew that my mom works at PCT (Penn College) and I could go to school for completely free. I knew it was best for me to go where I got the most money, considering law school being the plan afterwards for me,” Ford said. “It’s almost like you can tell, you don’t always expect a small Division II PSAC school to be so nice with such nice facilities, people and coaches. It definitely made me realize that you don’t need to go to the dream Division I school for athletics.”

Ford suffered an injury last fall and missed a portion of the fall season but came back toward the end of the regular season and in time for the playoffs. But that injury never worried Ford about playing in college.

“At that point in time I was already committed. I knew that my college coach had a lot of faith in me to play and I knew that my injury wasn’t something too extreme,” Ford said. “I knew I was definitely fine once I came back after two week and I’m supposed to be out 4-6 weeks. I knew my love for the game was stronger and I was more so upset of all my senior year goals that I wanted to accomplish as in 50 goals and possibly all-state nomination and always of course a district title.”

Playing at the next level like Ford and Moore are doing — and numerous others in Lycoming County and other surrounding areas – gives younger players something to look up to. They know it’s possible to excel at the next level as well and represent their high school.

Ford will be doing so at California (Pa.) in the fall.

Moore will be doing so next year at Bloomsburg.

It’s a continuation of playing the game you love and reaching that dream you had as a kid.

“I am incredibly grateful to my parents who have gone above and beyond to help me reach my lifelong dream of playing college soccer. They work very hard to make this dream possible for me and I am eternally grateful for their love and dedication,” Moore said. “A kid gives up a lot when they decide to play club ball: school functions, time with friends and classmates, weekend get togethers, but it’s worth every second.”

Like Ford did by playing with NUU for years, Moore improved over the years as well through camps, ID clinics and travel teams as well. It helped her get noticed by college coaches and get recruited.

RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent

Williamsport’s Nylah Ford collides with State College goalie Jessie Ested during a game at Balls Mills last year. Ford and the Millionaires won, 3-0. Ford is heading to California (Pa.) to play women’s soccer.

But while all of that is true, it those camps helped Moore eventually give back to the game she grew to love by working with former South Williamsport great Christa Matlack, who happens to be Moore’s role model. Moore now is a role model to younger kids who see her at camps with Matlack after she became South Williamsport’s first 100-goal, 50-assist player in its long history.

“I am glad that I became that inspira-

tion to these young players that I once had too. It’s always rewarding to have a parent of one of the players come up and thank me for helping coach their kids,” Moore said. “I get asked a lot to help players outside of these camps, on their skill and the fundamentals of the game.”

Ford and Moore playing at the next level will likely have some younger players at camps looking up to them to go to the next level as well.

GOLDEN GOALS 2025 || 16 ||

MONTGOMERY GIRLS

MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent

Montgomery’s Aleaha Grimm (center) and McKenna Hakes (17) return for the Red Raiders and look to once again get to the playoffs.

Raiders have plenty to build on from last year

By JON GERARDI

I

jgerardi@sungazette.com

n her first year as coach, Hannah Lounsbury absolutely put Montgomery’s girls soccer team on the right trajectory.

Now the key will be to keep going in that direction under new coach Taylor Snyder.

Last season, the Red Raiders won the most games since 2006 and earned the program’s first playoff berth via winning record since then as well. Montgomery held a first-half lead over Sullivan County in the playoffs, but a strong second-half led to the Griffins winning and cost Montgomery a chance at its first-ever postseason victory.

“My expectations for this season are high for the girls. They have worked extremely hard this preseason and summer to improve their skill each and every day in the weight room and on the soccer field,” Snyder said. “I’ve been very impressed with their effort and dedication and am sure that it will lead to a successful season.”

The Red Raiders were 17 minutes away from history that day at home in October.

But the most important thing is Mont|| 17 || GOLDEN GOALS 2025

gomery’s players got a taste of winning and the postseason. They know what it takes to get to that point and to compete.

Last fall could be a huge turning point for the program moving forward.

One big part of the Red Raiders success who is back is Aleaha Grimm. The Red Raider was just a freshman last year, but made a huge impact for Montgomery in reaching the district playoffs and earned honorable mention Mid-Penn all-star honors last fall as well. She was one of just two Montgomery players to receive Mid-Penn honors.

The other? Zoe Furman, who also happens to be back as a senior this year.

Furman suffered an injury her sophomore year but had a great fall season as a junior and was a first-team Mid-Penn forward as a junior. Give Furman credit for coming back from an injury and playing well. The combination of Grimm and Furman were solid for the Red Raiders.

Having those two back will help provide Montgomery with valuable experience to build off last year’s district appearance.

“Their work ethic and attitudes are by far one of their greatest strengths,” Snyder said of the team’s strength this year. “The positivity and support for one another that I have seen this year has been amazing to be a part of.”

Montgomery has never won a playoff game, and last year came extremely close to doing so until Sullivan County had an outstanding second half to rally for a win. Grimm and Furman no doubt want to get some revenge this year and likely have only improved in the offseason to get better this fall.

The Red Raiders graduated just two players from last year: Emily Geiger and Addison Muhl.

Muhl leaves a hole to fill at the goalie position for Montgomery. Montgomery had five games in which Muhl posted either a shutout or allowed just one goal, meaning that Montgomery will have a tough time replacing a solid goalie like her.

Geiger will be a player up top that the Red Raiders will need to replace as well.

Both winning and losing can be contagious, but for Montgomery, last year was an outstanding successful season for the Red Raiders and one Lounsbury and the Red Raiders are going to want to build off and continue. Don’t be surprised if Montgomery is near the top of the Mid-Penn this year alongside South Williamsport or Muncy. The Raiders had a lot of talent on the team last year, and those young players got invaluable experience in games and it will be beneficial this fall.

MONTGOMERY BOYS

Montgomery boys keep improving

By JON GERARDI

jgerardi@sungazette.com

W

hen Mike Sherman took over Montgomery’s boys soccer program in the summer of 2020, he had an idea and a mission.

The Red Raiders did not have a program prior to that for four seasons.

Sherman wanted to not only get a program back at Montgomery, but make Montgomery playoff contenders. And he more than accomplished that and some.

Last year was Montgomery’s second consecutive 10-win season and marked the first time the Red Raiders were in the playoffs for consecutive seasons in the 2000s.

It’s quite the accomplishment thus far, but Sherman wants Montgomery to continue to get better and vye for the program’s first-ever title.

“I am very excited for this season to prove once again that Montgomery is a competitive squad each time we take the pitch,” Sherman said. “To say our program has come a long way since beginning the program just five years ago is an understatement.

Our boys now know how to win and have experienced what it is like to play a top caliber team in a late October playoff environment.”

Time will tell if Montgomery can break through and capture district gold, but one thing is for certain and that is Sherman has Montgomery on the right course and moving in the right direction.

Montgomery has allowed just three goals in two playoff games the last two seasons.

Dylan Sherman had an outstanding sophomore season and no doubt the Mid-Penn all-star selection will be looking to have repeat success individually in 2025. The all-star forward played all 18 games for Montgomery and scored 16 goals with nine assists, both of which were team highs. Sherman is the type of offensive player that can make defenses pay if he gets in the right position and manages to break free on a throughball.

It’s not easy replacing goalies

and thankfully Montgomery returns a keeper who saw valuable time all last season. Irwin played every game for Montgomery and logged 1,360 minutes in goal. Irwin no doubt put in time over the offseason and kept working to get better. Expect his junior year to be a great performance.

Camden Dalrymple is back for Montgomery and enters his senior season. Dalrymple had a starting role for Montgomery and was a solid player. While he only scored three goals and five assists, Dalrymple showed that he’s a threat on the field to score, and with two standouts having graduated, Dalrymple likely will be stepping up on the field.

“Our lineup front to back has been developed in a system that focuses on individual strengths.

Success for the program came when we started coaching the team we have, not the one we wish we had,” Sherman said. “Our juniors and seniors are a testament to that concept. Their style of play may be unconventional at times; however, it is hard to argue with results.”

The Red Raiders will have to replace Dylan Hill up top. The Montgomery forward played every game last year for the Red Raiders and scored eight goals and dished out seven assists. Those were both second-most on the team and that means defenses will likely start trying to double team and key on Sherman, last year’s leading goal scorer.

Montgomery also is without Xavier Koch, another speedy and talented player who helped spark the offense when needed. Koch scored seven goals and had two assists last year. Without two of the team’s top scorers in Hill and Koch, the Raiders will need to replace offensive pieces in 2025.

Montgomery’s juniors and seniors have tasted the playoffs, but they want to get past the first round and make a deep run.

The talent is there to do so.

DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Dylan Hill helped spark Montgomery’s offense last fall and help the Red Raiders reach the District 4 tournament. The Red Raiders secured back-to-back playoff appearances for the first time in the 2000s.

GOLDEN GOALS 2025 || 18 ||

MUNCY GIRLS

Muncy girls look to compete for title again

By JON GERARDI

jgerardi@sungazette.com

M

uncy’s seniors were upset following last year’s District 4 Class A championship game in Bloomsburg. The players walked off the field knowing they had a chance to win district gold.

The game was in Muncy’s grasp, but South Williamsport denied the Indians winning a title as South won its third consecutive championship.

But, Muncy’s seniors did accomplish something that day last October and that was cementing a legacy at Muncy.

Coach Jason Gresh stresses to his players asking what their legacy is going to be, and for last year’s class — Kenzie Haas, Addie Eyer, Addi Gresh, Elizabeth Swart — it was elevating the Muncy program.

Muncy competed in the program’s first-ever district championship last year. Prior to 2024, Muncy had only ever won one postseason game. Last year, they won two en route to reaching the final.

“The goal is always to get nine wins, qualify for the payoffs and then focus on each game to advance,” Gresh said. “We have some really good teams on our schedule this year, so we will be tested throughout the season. We will need to focus on preparation for each game and continually improve to reach our goals.”

That schedule includes Hughesville, South Williamsport, Southern Columbia, Troy, Millville/Benton.

Qualifying last year for states was a great milestone for the Indians to reach.

“Until last season, we only had won one playoff game in school history. Qualifying for the state tournament was quite an accomplishment,” Gresh said. “We graduated four seniors, so we have a strong core back from last year. They have been working hard all offseason and want to || 19 || GOLDEN GOALS 2025

RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent

The graduation of Addison Eyer leaves some big shoes to fill for Muncy’s girls soccer team this fall. continue the success.”

It’s always nice having offensive production returning, and Muncy has a lot back.

Among them is Addi Eyer.

The sophomore last year had a team-high 21 goals with 10 assists and averaged a goal per game and 0.5 assists per game.

Eyer was key to Muncy’s goal production as Muncy scored 71 goals last season. Eyer was

a Mid-Penn all-star selection and she’ll be the focal point of Muncy’s offense once again.

Alexis McKeta was a junior last year and was a big part of Muncy’s offense. The Indian had 14 goals, second most on the team, and dished out eight assists.

Last year as a junior, Ella Nagel scored nine goals and had an outstanding 20

assists, leading the team. If Nagel didn’t score, she was in great position to facilitate the offense and get her teammates into position to score goals.

That trio will be key for Muncy returning.

Addi Gresh was an outstanding goalie for Muncy during her career and put together a superb senior season. Gresh played through 21 games and recorded 1,539 minutes while posting 97 saves, averaging 4.6 per game.

She also had an outstanding nine shutouts for the Indians. Replacing Gresh will be extremely tough.

Addie Eyer was part of Muncy’s superb senior class and she helped transform the program from her freshman year to senior year into the heights they reached and has Muncy on a great trajectory moving forward. Eyer scored nine goals and had four assists last year. Her nine goals were tied for third-most last season with the Indians.

Gresh and the Indians know that the league is going to be tough once again this year, but the team’s excited for the season.

“The Mid-Pennis always tough. Last year, two MidPenn teams were in the district finals. South Williamsport is the returning three-time district champions and always field a great team,” Gresh said. “Millville and Benton combined two good programs into one really good team. Montgomery and Sullivan County were young teams last year and can’t be overlooked.”

That legacy Muncy’s seniors left last year will help carry over into the Class of 2026 and beyond. Muncy not only knows that it can be playoff contenders, but the Indians know they can compete with anyone in the District 4 field.

MUNCY BOYS

Muncy boys return majority of its team

By JON GERARDI jgerardi@sungazette.com

I

DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Muncy brings back keeper Bodie Moyer, who had plenty of experience as a sophomore in goal in 2024.

t’s been a few years since Muncy’s boys soccer team has entered the District 4 Class A tournament. Four in fact.

Muncy’s last playoff appearance came in 2021 with an 8-9-1 campaign which saw the Indians fall in the district quarterfinals to Northumberland Christian, 4-1. While none of the current players on Muncy’s team have experience the postseason, they’re more than motivated to break through and get to the playoffs.

The Indians went 4-11-2 last year, but Muncy can only go up and improve win-wise.

“My expectations for this team are to go out and play with the intensity and skill I know they have and to be a playoff contender this year,” first-year coach Ben Burns said.

You couldn’t ask for a more experienced keeper to return in goal than Bodie Moyer. And that’s even more impressive given Moyer was just a sophomore last year, but played outstanding all season.

Moyer recorded 175 saves last year, averaging 10.3 per game as he constantly kept Muncy in every game they played in. While he didn’t record a shutout, Moyer gained experience and got better as the season went on.

Kyran Lisembee and Landyn Burns were Muncy’s top goal producers last year, and both are back this year, giving Muncy it’s offensive fire power back. Lisembee had six goals scored and dished out two assists and Burns had six goals as well with an assist.

“We are returning nine starters from last year. We only lost three total players and gained three freshmen,” Burns said. “This team has been playing together for a few years now and should be fun to watch.”

Muncy also has Austin Hartzel competing in his senior year this season as he led Muncy with five assists and added three goals. That trio will give Muncy a spark up top and will be the focal point of the Indians’ offense in 2025.

Muncy is in a unique position in that the Indians lost only one senior from last year’s team in Kohen Meyer. Meyer will be a presence on the field to replace though. He was a starting defender for Muncy and stood at 6-foot-4, giving Muncy an added weapon for headers inside the 18-yard box on defense.

As noted, Muncy can only go up after last year’s four-win season. Muncy should compete within the Mid-Penn as well, and Burns knows the league will have some tough tests for the Indians.

“The Mid-Penn is always challenging and I wouldn’t expect it to be any different this year,” Burns said. “Always good games to watch.”

Muncy only has one player to replace with senior Meyer as previously mentioned. That means Muncy returns essentially its entire team and a ton of players with valuable experience that you can’t replicate.

That’ll be a huge benefit for Muncy this year as well.

GOLDEN GOALS 2025 || 20 ||

JERSEY SHORE GIRLS

Sky’s the limit for Bulldogs’ potential

By JON GERARDI

jgerardi@sungazette.com

T

he last few seasons haven’t been the kindest to Jersey Shore’s girls soccer program.

But that doesn’t mean there hasn’t been progress and talented players on the field.

The Bulldogs are coming off a 3-15 season, but those three wins are an improvement from the winless season in 2023 when Sarah Luprek first took the program over. Any improvement is good and Luprek hopes to have the Bulldogs continue to improve and build off last year’s successes, no matter how small they may have been.

Jersey Shore hasn’t made the postseason since 2006, but that doesn’t mean the Bulldogs can’t compete with teams and add onto last year’s three-win total.

“We are excited for the start of a new season. We’re continuing to strengthen our team culture and program, and I’m proud to have a group committed not only to improving the program, but also to supporting each other,” Luprek said. “With a strong focus on foundational growth and hard work, I believe these girls will continue to grow positively and exceed my expectations for this coming season.”

Jersey Shore returns Jessalyn Milbrand. The freshman last year was a second-team forward HAC all-star selection and was a valuable asset to Jersey Shore’s team as she led the team’s ofofensive production. Given that Milbrand was just a freshman last year, the sky’s the limit for her talent and abilities to improve over the next three seasons.

Being a starter was beneficial for Milbrand, and earning HAC all-star honors helped boost her confidence going forward.

Jersey Shore also brings back Elliana Herr from last season who received HAC honorable mention all-star honors. Herr was just a freshman last fall and the Bulldogs no doubt are glad to have Herr back again for this season.

The Bulldogs will have to replace Josie Defibaugh who graduated in the offseason. Like Milbrand, Defibaugh earned second-team HAC honors as a midfielder. Defibaugh was a key part of Jersey Shore’s team controlling the midfield and making life difficult for opposing forwards and not allowing them to get easy scoring opportunities.

The Bulldogs also will be without Piper Wagner who graduated. Wagner also earned HAC all-star honors last year, doing so as an honorable mention selection.

Jersey Shore can only go upwards this fall. The Bulldogs took some tough lumps and losses last year, but there’s plenty of potential on the Bulldogs’ roster to improve upon last year and pick up more victories. The Bulldogs have only won five games in a single season once in the past six years. There’s a solid chance that can change this year.

“Although our record may not be a clear reflection, we ended the season with much growth and positives to build off of leading into this season,” Luprek said. “I am seeing a large shift in our mentality that is full of positivity and hunger for growth and success.” || 21 || GOLDEN GOALS 2025

PHOTO PROVIDED

Jersey Shore’s Leena Loomis is back this year for the Bulldogs.

JERSEY SHORE BOYS

Jersey Shore boys look to break through

By JON GERARDI

jgerardi@sungazette.com

J

ersey Shore has continued to knock on the door in the postseason, but have unfortunately kept running into the same foe in the District 4 Class AAA playoffs: Selinsgrove.

Last fall marked the third time since 2020 that the Bulldogs have lost to the Seals in the playoffs. Jersey Shore didn’t have the best season in terms of wins — going 5-13-1 — but the Bulldogs were still in the postseason and gave Selinsgrove everything they had in a tough 4-0 loss in the semifinals.

Mitch Cornelius has done a superb job with the Bulldogs ever since taking over in 2020. That first year he had Shore competing for a district championship, the first time Shore had reached the final.

Since then, the Bulldogs have twice played for a crown and reached the semifinals last year. Jersey Shore is looking to build off last year and once again be in the playoffs.

“The expectations this year is to make the district playoffs. Most games last year we started eight under classmen and they picked up a lot of experience,” Cornelius said. “Our midfield this year will be made up of very talented sophomores led by Gabe Welshans and Era Paulhamus. Our co-captains Breylan Guerrero and Jayden passetti will lead a solid defense.”

Dylan Hensler is a standout back for Jersey Shore. The Bulldog was a HAC-I thirdteam midfielder all-star selection last year as a sophomore and was one of a handful of Bulldogs to receive HAC all-star honors.

Hensler had a team-high seven assists and scored four goals, meaning he can help give a spark to the Jersey Shore offense after losing a handful of talented players.

“Dylan Hensler, we are looking for him to become a threat to score goals anytime he touches the ball,” Cornelius said.

Braylen Guerrero was an honorable mention all-star as a junior last year and he returns this year. Guerrero was a defender for the Bulldogs and has valuable varsity experience to help bolster the back line.

The Bulldogs have to look to replace an outstanding scorer in Jack Breining. The Jersey Shore standout had a team-high 14 goals last year — accounting for majority of the team’s 22 goals scored — and dished out five assists. He averaged 0.8 goals per game and was a threat constantly to score.

He leaves a big hole in the lineup to fill as he was a HAC-I second-team all-star at forward.

TIM WEIGHT/Special to the Sun-Gazette

Jersey Shore’s Dylan Hensler, left, returns this year for the Bulldogs after seeing time as a sophomore last season.

The Bulldogs also are without Rylan Bowers, another HAC all-star selection.

Last year, Bowers earned HAC third-team defender honors in the league and was a key part of the Jersey Shore back line.

Having a standout defender is always a bonus, so having to replace one won’t be easy.

“Our biggest strength will be team speed and aggressiveness,” Cornelius said.

The Bulldogs have gotten a taste of the

postseason and this year’s juniors and seniors have been in the postseason twice since their freshman season. Jersey Shore is still looking for the program’s first-ever district title. The Bulldogs have knocked on the door a handful of times since Cornelius took over and the team continues to compete for that hardware.

Expect the Bulldogs to be playoff contenders again.

GOLDEN GOALS 2025 || 22 ||

CENTRAL MOUNTAIN GIRLS

CM looks to continue getting better, game by game

By JON GERARDI

jgerardi@sungazette.com

E

veryone is quick to judge progress of a program by wins and championships. But look closer and you’ll see the progress of Central Mountain’s girls soccer team.

Yes, the Wildcats only won two games last year. And yes, the offense sputtered throughout the season. But Ryan Veltri has been coaching for awhile. He knows what goes into making a team a contender.

That’s why one has to see the small steps Central Mountain continues to make.

There were three games last year where the Wildcats were within two or fewer goals of winning.

“The expectations are similiar to those of the past: building a culture from the traditions of the past and encouraging the team to work hard and play for each other,” Veltri said. “Our expectations are that we have a tough schedule this season, another test for the girls. We hope that last year’s developmental season offered a lot of playing time for young soccer players and will pay off with experience and growth. We are trying to create a winning mentality, but we also understand that we are clawing for everything we can.”

There were blow out losses, sure, but the potential is there for Central Mountain to build off last year’s two wins and put together a full 80-minutes and add to that win total.

The Wildcats were one of the league’s youngest teams last fall. Central Mountain’s 2024 roster consisted of eight freshmen and eight sophomores. Many of them got time.

“We try to find the silver lining in the past few seasons, looking to be as positive as possible. Last year we did not produce enough in a competitive spirit, but hoping that will || 23 || GOLDEN GOALS 2025

TIM WEIGHT/Special to the Sun-Gazette

While Central Mountain didn’t have the best season in terms of wins last year, the Wildcats will look to build off of last year’s successes. help drive us this year,” Veltri said. “In reflection, we won two league games, we are creeping into the middle of the league, winning league games is a great accomplishment when we start eight to nine ninth and tenth graders. So we’re using that as a springboard for this upcoming season.”

The Wildcats bring back a number of players who received HAC all-star honors last fall. That includes Cayman Hill (second-team defender), Kendall Veltri (second-team midfield) and Camryn McCann (honorable mention).

Bringing back three HAC all-star selections will give

the Wildcats some convidence.

Expect that trio — among the numerous other returning Wildcats — to have gotten better throughout the offseason practicing and working to get back onto the pitch.

The Wildcats didn’t have a high-scoring offense this past year, but Jazzy Anderson was a big part of the offense.

Anderson was a second-team forward last year for Central Mountain and much of the offense flowed through her. That will be a tough hole to replace up top.

The Wildcats also have to replace Archie Walker, an honorable mention HAC all-star

selection.

Central Mountain has nowhere to go but up. Players suffered some tough losses last year and some lopsided games they likely want to erase from their memory. But those games helped provide the Wildcats with valuable varsity experience.

The Heartland is a tough league, and coach Veltri knows his team is in for a tough battle game in and game out.

But the Wildcats believe in themselves and one another, and all it takes is a handful of wins for that confidence to grow further.

CENTRAL MOUNTAIN BOYS

Central Mountain’s boys team will look to build off last year.

TIM WEIGHT/Special to the Sun-Gazette

Plenty of HAC all-stars back for CM

By JON GERARDI

jgerardi@sungazette.com

I

t was a late October evening in Hollidaysburg where third-seeded Central Mountain saw its season come to a rough end against second-seeded Hollidaysburg in the District 6 Class AAA semifinals, 1-0.

It came a year after the Wildcats lost to top-seeded State College, 8-0, in the 2023 District 6 Class AAAA championship game.

Those back-to-back playoff losses have provided fuel for the Wildcats. Central Mountain wants to hoist a District 6 championship and keeps coming close to doing so.

Fans will have to wait until this October rolls around to see if the Wildcats can break through and claim the District 6 title this year. But regardless, last year has shown that the Wildcats want to continue to be a threat in the postseason.

The good news for Central Mountain is the Wildcats return a lot of their offen-

sive firepower from last fall.

“Many of our expected starters on the attack side of things are returning, and bring a ton of experience with them,” Central Mountain coach Billy Hook said.

“We definitely feel like our possession and attack is further ahead at this point in the season than years past and we hope that we see those results come through.”

Among them back is Cole Cooper, a junior last year who led Central Mountain with eight goals scored and two assists as he garnered second-team HAC midfield honors.

Gabryel Killinger and Griffen Confer also return up top for the Wildcats.

Killinger had four goals and three assists last fall while Confer had three goals and a team-high five assists. Confer was named third-team HAC midfield last year.

One big piece back for the Wildcats is goalie Jagger Pardoe. A junior last fall, Pardoe had 110 saves and averaged 6.5 per game while logging 1,340 minutes between the pipes. He posted five

shutouts and twice held an opponent to just one goal, including a talented Hollidaysburg team in the district final.

The Wildcats will have to replace standouts Lincoln Breon (six goal, three assists) and Isaiah Brinker (three goals, one assist) from last year’s district semifinalist team.

Brinker was a second-team HAC defender last year and helped anchor the back line. Breon, meanwhile, was a third-team forward HAC all-star selection.

There’s plenty of pieces back from 2024 that will help Central Mountain once again make a push for the playoffs and, hopefully for Mill Hall fans, get back to the District 6 championship game and make a possible berth to the state tournament.

Central Mountain knows the league and district will provide tough tests throughout the season, and Hook is prepared for it. “(We want to) compete again in the tough PHAC and qualify for the District 6 playoffs,” Hook said.

GOLDEN GOALS 2025 || 24 ||

GIRLS PRESEASON ALL-AREA

South’s Moore named Pre

By JON GERARDI

jgerardi@sungazette.com

The area year in and year out has plenty of talented players, and picking just 11 first-teamers for a preseason all-area all-star team is always a tall task.

But regardless, the best 11 players in the area make up the Sun-Gazette’s inaugural preseason soccer all-star team,

including a Preseason Player of the Year .

ELLA MOORE, SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT (PRESEASON PLAYER OF THE YEAR) (FORWARD)

Moore has established herself the past three seasons as one of the district’s best players, not simply the area. While it takes a team to win a title, Moore’s offensive prowess has been the catalyst that has led to South Williamsport to three consecutive District 4 championships. Moore is coming off a season which saw her earn all-state honors for a second consecutive season in addition to nabbing first-team Mid-Penn honors at forward. As a junior, Moore scored 42 goals and dished out 19 assists.

She averaged 2.1 goals per game and an assist per game as very few defenses were able to shut her down.

ZOE FURMAN, MONTGOMERY (FORWARD)

Montoursville’s Kenna Bennett || 25 || GOLDEN GOALS 2025

Furman was an outstanding player for Montgomery. Last season Montgomery won 10 games for the first time since 2006, secured the fifth-ever playoff berth and nearly beat Sullivan County for its first-ever playoff win. A large part of that success came from Zoe Furman up top.

Furman was named a first-team Mid-Penn all-star selection last year as a forward and helped spark the offense throughout the year. Furman brings back not only experience, but confidence from last year. Having both confidence and invaluable experience, especially in the playoffs, isn’t something you can coach.

DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

South Williamsport’s Ella Moore returns for her final year in a Mounties uniform and has a chance to climb the all-time District 4 scoring leaderboard as she has 111 for her career. Moore was named Sun-Gazette Preseason Player of the Year.

KYLIE TEMPLE, HUGHESVILLE (FORWARD)

Hughesville had a great year last year with 15 wins — the program’s single-season record — and reached its first ever District 4 championship game. The Spartans also qualified for states for the first time since 2002. Mix it all together, and it was a great year and a large part of that came from the foot of Temple.

The Spartan led Hughesville with 14 goals scored (0.6 per game) and dished out six assists as she was a player that used her speed to her advantage and got past many defenders to put herself in position to score.

KENNA BENNETT, MONTOURSVILLE (FORWARD)

Bennett was a huge part of Montoursville’s offense last year

and played outstanding every game she suited up. She led the Warriors with 13 goals scored and was always a threat to score if she got into position. She was named a first-team HAC-II allstar selection last year at forward and comes back this year for her senior year. The Warriors no doubt will be looking to Bennett to once again spark the team alongside her sister Khaya.

LILY McCARTY, SULLIVAN COUNTY (MIDFIELD)

McCarty had a season most players would have loved. She ended the season as a 50-goal scorer thanks to her 27-goal performance last year. That standout campaign led to her receiving first-team Mid-Penn honors. She was among the area leaders in goals scored last year as her 27 were behind only South’s Ella Moore (42) and Warrior Run’s

GIRLS PRESEASON ALL-AREA

eseason Player of the Year scoring 73 goals. But, defensively, the Defenders were solid.

Hall led that back line for Warrior Run and she was a first-team defender for the HAC-II. Hall helped a defense that held 15 teams to one or fewer goals and was a huge reason Warrior Run stayed in the district playoffs against eventual state champion Central Columbia in a tough 3-2 loss.

LAUREL BOYER, LEWISBURG (DEFENDER)

Raygan Lust (30). Whenever Sullivan County played someone, defenses keyed in on stopping McCarty. That was easier on paper than in reality, however.

JAELYNN HELMRICH, WILLIAMSPORT (MIDFIELD)

Nylah Ford got injured last year and that standout scorer getting hurt during the year left a scoring void. In addition to Deborah Schultz, Jaelynn Helmrich stepped up as well big time.

Helmrich emerged as a scoring threat by season’s end and scored nine goals — third best on the team — with a team-high 13 assists. Helmrich and Schultz formed a solid combination up top, and expect them to once again do just that. Helmrich was a first-team HAC-I forward last year.

AVA EYER, MUNCY (MIDFIELD)

Last year saw the Indians win their first-ever playoff game en route to reaching the District 4 championship for the first time. That success in large part came thanks to Eyer’s offensive success. Eyer led Muncy with 21 goals last year and dished out 10 assists, second to Ella Nagel’s 20. Eyer was a player not many defenses had an answer for and only got better as she enters her junior season this fall.

NATALIE HALL, WARRIOR RUN (DEFENDER)

Warrior Run finished last fall with a 14-4-2 record and reached the postseason. Players like Raygan Lust propelled the offense en route to the Defenders

Lewisburg may not have had the best season record-wise, but it wasn’t because of a lack of talent or motivation. The Green Dragons had solid players on its roster last year, and that included Boyer. Last year, Boyer earned first-team HACII honors as a defender as a junior and no doubt she only got better in the offseason entering her senior season.

Boyer did everything she could each game to keep the Green Dragons in contests.

the district final.

ALTHEA STREET, SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT (GOALIE)

Only 14 balls found their way to the back of the net against South Williamsport last year and in addition to a solid back line, Street in goal was key as well.

Street played in 20 games, logging 935 minutes, and registered 14 saves — 5.2 per game. She had 11 shutouts. Teams knew they had to place great shots if they wanted to get one past Street.

EMMA McCORMICK, MUNCY (DEFENDER)

Muncy’s offense was outstanding last year by scoring an more than 70 goals, but, its defense was just as impressive. Muncy held 11 teams to one or fewer goals and McCormick on the back line helped attribute to that.

McCormick anchored a solid defensive unit and was named to the Mid-Penn all-star team as a first-team defender. McCormick helped play solid defense against South Williamsport in the district final, limiting the Mounties to just one goal. That type of defensive play will be key if the Indians want to once again reach

South Williamsport’s Althea Street

GOLDEN GOALS 2025 || 26 ||

BOYS PRESEASON ALL-AREA

Lewisburg’s Permyashkin e

By JON GERARDI

jgerardi@sungazette.com

Dangerous goal scorers.

Playmakers who can seemingly turn it on at a moment’s notice. Defenders who can help neutralize the opponent’s best scoring threat.

That’s a microcosm of the talent in the area. There’s no shortage of talented players at forward, midfield, defender and goalie. It’s a plethora of game changers. And deciding an all-area team amongst them was far from an easy task or simple one.

But, without further ado, lets look at the area’s top play-

Montoursville’s Quinn Winslow

ers who make up the Preseason Sun-Gazette all-area team.

DYLAN SHERMAN, MONTGOMERY (FORWARD)

Sherman was only a sophomore last year, but played like he had years of experience under his belt. The Red Raider earned first-team Mid-Penn honors at forward last season and was a huge part of Montgomery’s success in reaching the District 4 playoffs once again. Sherman scored 16 goals — more than double the next highest scorer at Montgomery — while dishing out a team-high nine assists. He averaged nearly a goal a game last year and was a standout all season long for the Red Raiders.

Lewisburg’s Viktor Permyashkin, right, heads a ball during a game last year in the state playoffs against Scranton Prep. Permyashkin was named Sun-Gazette Preseason Player of the Year for 2025.

ISAAC AYRES, LEWISBURG (FORWARD)

If teammate Viktor Permyashkin wasn’t finding the goal, it was likely Isaac Ayres for Lewisburg. The Green Dragon senior was a first-team HAC-I all-star last year as a junior and was an outstanding player. Ayres and Permyashkin combined to form a dangerous and potent scoring duo. Ayres scored 15 goals and had four assists and combined to produce 33 goals and 20 assists alongside Permyashkin.

Ayres was the type of player teams had to game plan for.

BRYCE WINSLOW, MONTOURSVILLE (FORWARD)

Winslow was a dangerous || 27 || GOLDEN GOALS 2025

RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent

player when he got into open space and often made teams pay. As a sophomore last year, Winslow was a first-team HACII forward and his stats showed why. He scored eight goals last year and had nine assists, second on the team behind only Quinn Winslow’s 13. The Warriors had plenty of scoring threats last year, and with most back, the Warriors will be a tough team to slow down offensively.

DAVID SEELING, WELLSBORO (FORWARD)

The Green Hornets had four outstanding scorers last year.

Wellsboro graduated three of them but bring back Seeling, who was just a junior last year. Seeling scored 14 goals last year and had 13 assists, the third-most goals and thirdmost assists on the team last fall. Seeling brings back a lot of valuable experience and will

BOYS PRESEASON ALL-AREA

earns area’s top boys honor success was Permyashkin. The returning HAC-I first-team midfielder and all-state standout led the Green Dragons with 17 goals last year and an impressive 16 assists. Permyashkin constantly found his way to either score or open the offense for teammates, and that was key in Lewisburg having the success it did.

QUINN WINSLOW, MONTOURSVILLE (MIDFIELD)

Montoursville went 13-6 last year and finished 6-2 in the HAC-II. A large part of that success was thanks to the feet of Winslow. The Warrior accounted for a huge protion of Montoursville’s offensive production. The first-team HAC-II all-star at midfield last year and put up a solid junior season with 12 goals — tied for most on the team with teammate CJ Lucas — and 13 assists, most on the team. Winslow helped control the midfield for the Warriors.

CONNOR HOFSTROM, WILLIAMSPORT (MIDFIELD)

be a tough player for opposing defenses to limit and slow down.

VIKTOR PERMYASHKIN, LEWISBURG (PRESEASON PLAYER OF THE YEAR) (MIDFIELD)

Lewisburg won 19 games last year and reached the state tournament while winning the program’s fourth District 4 championship in five years.

And at the center of that

Hofstrom was a sophomore last year and garnered thirdteam honors in the HAC-I as a midfielder. The Millionaire scored just two goals and had an assist, but he played solid throughout the year from a defensive perspective in limiting opposing forwards in the midfield, and not letting many teams get chances to get breakaways or throughballs.

Hofstrom is the type of player who will do what he needs to help the team succeed, be it playing from a defensive midfield position or attacking and scoring.

CALEB HARTSOCK, LOYALSOCK (DEFENDER)

Down the stretch in the final month of the season,

Loyalsock’s defense played well and started clicking at the right time. A key part of that was Hartsock on the back line. After a 4-1 loss to Midd-West on Sept. 23, Loyalsock only allowed two teams to score more than a goal against it heading into district play. Hartsock earned third-team HAC-II defensive honors last year.

RYAN LINGG, LOYALSOCK (DEFENDER)

Another standout on Loyalsock’s back line was Lingg. The Lancer last year was a HACII honorable mention all-star selection at defense and played tough and solid alongside Hartsock. Both of those players returning gives the Lancers’ back line a solid combination who have valuable experience heading into the fall and will have confidence given their success late in the season last year en route to districts.

for opposing forwards.

BRAEGO CIESLUKOWSKI, WARRIOR RUN (GOALIE)

Cieslukowski has established himself the last three seasons as one of the Heartland’s top goalies and entering his senior year, he’s still one of the top in the area. The Defender last year recorded 71 saves and was in goal for all of the Defenders’ games. He recorded seven shutouts with an 11-8-1 record and was key for the Defenders to qualify for districts again. He also had two penalty kick saves in the year. Cieslukowski has gotten better year after year, and his senior year he’ll no doubt want to go out with his best year yet.

DEMAJ STEWARTWILLIAMS, MONTGOMERY (DEFENDER)

Montgomery only saw four teams last year score more than two goals against them: Northeast Bradford, Muncy, Benton (twice) and South Williamsport (twice). And a key part of that defense not allowing teams to pepper the goal constantly was Stewart-Williams on the back line. The Red Raider is a senior this year and garnered first-team defensive honors in the MidPenn last season.

Expect him to once again make life difficult

Warrior Run’s Braego Cieslukowski

GOLDEN GOALS 2025 || 28 ||

WARRIOR RUN GIRLS

Warrior Run will look to replace Raygan Lust (19), the program’s second all-time goal scorer.

DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Lust, Ohnmeiss leave big shoes to fill for WR

By JON GERARDI

jgerardi@sungazette.com

W

arrior Run continues getting better and better and knocking on the door for the district championship game.

But one thing has stood in the Defenders way the last few years and that’s been the buzzsaw that has been Central Columbia.

The Defenders lost in the District 4 Class AA semifinals each of the last two years to the eventual state championships.

Warrior Run lost in a lopsided game two years ago to the Blue Jays, 7-0, but last year, the Defenders lost a tight game 3-2, and held a 2-1 lead in the first half at one point. The Defenders have a talented team and have the ability to break through and capture the program’s || 29 || GOLDEN GOALS 2025

first District 4 title since 2016 when the Defenders won three straight.

The Defenders bring back standout Katie Zaktansky, a talented junior last year who was second on the team with goals scored (17) and had seven assists.

She averaged nearly a goal per game and was a great player up top with Raygan Lust to form a potent 1-2 scoring duo.

The Defenders also have Maura Woland back, a junior last year, who scored seven goals and dished out four assists. Expect Woland to be looked on to help facilitate the offense alongside Zaktansky.

Losing Lust is tough for Warrior Run to replace. Lust was a first-team HAC all-star last year and she was a fast player up top who could easily score whenever the team needed her to. She ended her career with 81 goals, second most alltime in program history, and was a big

reason the Defenders made it to at least the district quarterfinals each of the last three seasons. She led the team last year with 30 goals and 15 assists, meaning that offensive firepower will need someone to step up and fill that void.

Addy Ohmneiss graduated as well, leaving a void to fill in goal. Ohnmeiss was a talented keeper who recorded 73 saves last year and was in goal for 1,535 minutes. She played outstanding all year, and showcased it by limiting Central Columbia to just three goals in a tough 3-2 district semifinal loss.

There are some holes to fil, no doubt, but coach Rob Ryder has a talented roster that should step up and help the Defenders not only get to the playoffs, but make another run. If the team stays healthy, they’ll be tough to beat.

WARRIOR RUN BOYS

Warrior Run will have to replace Gavin Hunter (1) this fall after he graduated.

MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent

Defenders once again eyeing the playoffs

By JON GERARDI jgerardi@sungazette.com

I

t’s been awhile since Warrior Run hasn’t qualified for the playoffs. Ten seasons in fact.

Ever since a down 2-15-1 year in 2014, Warrior Run has been playoff bound each and every season.

Don’t expect that to change in 2025. Warrior Run is coming off an 11-8-1 season and while there were some bumps in the road last year in some losses, the Defenders learned from those losses and are looking to make another deep run.

Ask coach Troy Emmert how talented of a goalie Braego Cieslukowski is and he’ll be the first to tell you how good he is not just the area, but the league itself.

Thankfully for Emmert and Warrior Run, Cieslukowski is back for one more year.

The Defender keeper had 71 saves last year and seven shutouts while recording 3.6 saves per game. Cieslukowski has gotten better each year he’s been in between the pipes.

“We are very excited to get going this season,” Warrior Run coach Troy Emmert said. We expect to be more explosive on the offensive side, and with four-year starter Braego Cieslukowski in the goal and helping to direct the defense, we should also be solid defensively.”

Ori Kennell returns offensively and is a standout player. As a sophomore last year, he had a team-high 10 assists and scored six goals. In addition, Gideon Kennel returns for the Defenders who scored eight goals and had four assists.

That duo will be key for the Warrior Run offense to surge again this season.

“We should have another solid season and expect to make the district playoffs with a

chance at the title,” Emmert said.

Gavin Hunter graduated and was one of the team’s scoring threats up top. Hunter had six goals scored last year and was looked upon to lead the offense at times.

Expect others to step up to fill his absence.

Warrior Run lost a tough 1-0 game in last year’s District 4 Class AA quarterfinals to Lewisburg, a perennially outstanding program. That tough loss likely is still providing a little bit of motivation.

“Our 1-0 loss to Lewisburg in the semifinals has been on the boy’s minds since last year. We had two really good opportunities in the game in the second half but fell short,” Emmert said. “The boys are very determined to make it to the next step.”

Warrior Run returns a lot from last year’s team up top, on the back line and in goal, and that experience coming back is valuable and will help the Defenders make another playoff push.

GOLDEN GOALS 2025 || 30 ||

LEWISBURG GIRLS

Lewisburg will be without HAC-I second-team forward Caroline Blakeslee who graduated.

BRIAN HOLTZAPPLE/Special to the Sun-Gazette

Lewisburg hopes to get back to playoffs

By JON GERARDI

T

jgerardi@sungazette.com

he wins may not have been there, but the effort certainly was, especially in the later half of the season. Lewisburg had some lopsided losses early on in 2024, notably a 9-1 loss to Shikellamy to open the season before falling to state power Central Columbia, 8-0, on the road.

But Lewisburg learned from those losses and slowly improved. There was a 2-1 double overtime loss to playoff contender Montoursville and a season-ending 3-2 loss to eventual District 4 Class AA finalist Hughesville at home.

Wrap all it together, and the pieces were there for Lewisburg to learn and build.

The Green Dragons will be under new direction this year with first-year coach Emaleigh Greb who noted she’s excited to take over the program.

As for the expectations this year? || 31 || GOLDEN GOALS 2025

“Have fun and good vibes all around,” Greb noted.

The good news for Lewisburg is a lot of their roster is back from last year, meaning a ton of invaluable experience in those tough losses.

In goal, the Green Dragons bring back Norah Hockenbrock who was just a sophomore last year who recorded 104 saves and averaged 5.8 per game. No doubt Hockenbrock has only gotten better into her junior season and she was more than battle tested against tough teams last fall.

Offensively, the Green Dragons return a pair of outstanding scorers in Kate Batkowski and Laurel Boyer.

Batkowski, a senior this year, scored a team-high 14 goals and dished out two assists. Boyer, also a senior this year, had 14 goals and an assist. Both averaged 0.8 goals per game last fall and the duo provide a spark up top to help propel the offense.

Boyer was a first-team HAC-I defender for Lewisburg, showcasing her versatility to do everything she can to help Lewisburg

succeed no matter where she is on the field.

As for the team’s strengths this year, Greb mentioned that it will be “hard workers who know how to goof around.”

Lewisburg will be without HAC-I second-team forward Caroline Blakeslee who graduated. The Green Dragons also graduated Faridah Aboueid, who played in 17 of the team’s games last year. While Lewisburg returns a lot of its team from last year’s squad, it will have to replace players like Blakeslee, however.

The Green Dragons are just two years removed from a 13-5-1 campaign in which Lewisburg reached the postseason. That means many players on the team know what it means to get to the postseason and what it takes to reach that level of success Last year wasn’t the year Lewisburg was hoping for in terms of wins, but consider it a bump in the road. Lewisburg has a lot back as noted and that talent will help the Green Dragons bounce back and make another playoff push.

LEWISBURG BOYS

Dragons motivated after heartbreaker

By JON GERARDI

RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent

jgerardi@sungazette.com

After a heartbreaking state playoff loss to Scranton Prep in the PIAA Class AA playoffs, the Green Dragons are looking to get back and make a deep run.

N

o loss is easy, but without question a heartbreaking loss in the state playoffs is rough for any player. For Lewisburg, that’s precisely what its returning players are experiencing.

Lewisburg lost to Scranton Prep in last year’s PIAA Class AA playoffs at Balls Mills, 1-0.

It also was the Green Dragons first time losing in the first-round of states since 2011.

After three straight years losing via shootouts, the Green Dragons lost a heartbreaker in regulation. Needless to say, Lewisburg is motivated and hungry to get back to states and make a deep run as their program is used to doing.

“My expectations are always the same: to play our best soccer at the end of the season,” Lewisburg coach Ben Kettlewell said.

“We are a young team that hopefully will grow this season as we get experience.”

Lewisburg brings back an all-state midfielder in junior VIktor Permyashkin, who will is a key player back for the Green Dragons. Permyashkin could control the midfield from a defensive perspective, but he was just as dangerous when he looked to score. The then-junior last year had 17 goals and 16 assists, leading Lewisburg in both categories.

In addition, the Green Dragons have Isaac Ayres returning, a junior last year who was another scoring threat up top. Ayres was a HAC-I forward last year and had 15 goals, behind only Permyashkin’s 17, and dished out four assists. He averaged nearly a goal per game and was tough for opposing teams to slow down.

“It is great to have both of them, not only as an offensive boost, but as team leaders,” Kettlewell said. “They act as coaches on the field and are helping the younger guys.”

Lewisburg has Gabe Pawling back as well in goal, a returning HAC-I second-team keeper. Pawling recorded 68 saves last year and only let 10 goals slip by him. He had an outstanding 14 shutouts and recorded 3.1 saves per game.

Lewisburg every year prides itself on how outstanding its defense is and last year was no exception. Lewisburg allowed just 10 goals all year and Alex Gilmore was a huge reason for that defensive success. Gilmore was a senior last year and earned HAC-I second-team honors at defender.

Another standout member of the Green

Dragons’ back line was Marino Cardello.

Another HAC-I all-star selection (third team), Cardello helped anchor the defense and will be a tough player to replace this fall.

Kettlewell has done an outstanding job the last few seasons as the Green Dragons’ coach, including coaching Lewisburg to a state title during his time at the helm, so expect Lewisburg to be strong all around this fall.

“We return a great keeper in Gabe Pawling but lost four defenders from last year’s senior class. We do bring back some experience with both Grayson Barner and Jack Johnson,” Kettlewell said. “I hope

others such as Riley Gulden-Luthi, Aiden Berry, Blake Gulden-lUthi and Jack Kohl help contribute defensively. Our defense is a whole team commitment and something we take prid ein doing well.”

Permyashkin and Ayers returning, in addition to Pawling, are huge pieces back. Replacing Cardello and Gilmore will be hard given their caliber of talent on the back line, but Lewisburg has strong defenses year in and year out.

In other words, expect Kettlewell to be able to move pieces around in the lineup and have another superb defensive front once more.

GOLDEN GOALS 2025 || 32 ||

MILTON GIRLS

PHOTO PROVIDED

Kat Bennage, right, returns for Milton for her senior year and will look to be a key part of the Black Panthers’ success as Milton looks to build off a 14-win season.

Milton has plenty back from 14-win team

By JON GERARDI

jgerardi@sungazette.com

T

o say Rod Harris has transformed the Milton girls soccer program would be an enormous understatement. When Harris took the team over as coach in 2018, Milton was coming off a handful of seasons with single-digit wins and struggling to put up victories.

In his first year, Milton went 12-8-1. And that was the start of the Black Panthers becoming annual playoff contenders. It’s a large reason why he was named HAC-I Coach of the Year last year in girls soccer.

Milton went 14-3-2 last year and and lost a tough overtime game to Selinsgrove in the Class AAA playoffs. Last year was the first year Milton was bumped up to Class AAA, and fell to a talented Seals team.

“It was unfortunate how our season ended last year with a major injury 10 minutes into the District 4 Class AAA semifinal and then holding on to lose in overtime,” Harris said. “That has fueled us to accomplish more this season.” || 33 || GOLDEN GOALS 2025

The Black Panthers have a huge piece of their team back in all-state forward Sammy Roarty, who was just a junior last season.

The offense ran through Roarty and she was a tough player that defenses knew they had to key in on and slow down.

Roarty led Milton with 25 goals and had 10 assists, averaging 1.5 goals per game.

Her 10 assists were second on the team.

Milton returns just about all of its offensive fire power as well. Also back is Addison Wenzel, who was a sophomore last year with 14 goals and nine assists.

“We are off and running and doing really well,” Milton coach Rod Harris said. “We have a big group of freshmen that have joined us and are learning quickly.”

Kat Bennage returns, a first-team HAC-I forward from last year who had 11 assists, most on the team.

Milton has some key pieces it will need to replace. That includes Amelia Gainer, a first-team HAC-I midfielder who helped control things from a defensive standpoint.

In addition, first-team HAC-I defender Lilly Batman graduated. Those two graduations leave tough defensive holes for the

Black Panthers have to fill.

Milton loses another talented defensive player in Madison Zeiber too, who was a HAC-I defensive selection. Add all that together, and there’s a lot of defensive question marks heading into the 2025 season.

While those defensive graduation losses hurt, there’s a lot to build around and be optimistic about this fall. With offensive fire power with Roarty, Wenzel and Bennage back, Milton won’t have any problems scoring goals throughout the year.

‘Our outlook is the same every year. We expect to be very competitive, qualify for districts and hopefully can earn a District 4 title this season,” Harris said. “We have built a winning culture here at Milton girls soccer and that is the expectation for every season.”

The question will be how will Milton’s defense fare with some key graduation losses?

Rod Harris has done an outstanding job the last few seasons moving players around and getting the most out of his roster. Expect Harris to have answers to those graduation losses and keep Milton once again in the District 4 playoff picture come late October.

MILTON BOYS

Black Panthers will be solid yet again TIM WEIGHT/Special to the Sun-Gazette

Milton will need to replace Joel Langdon, the team’s leading goal scorer in 2024.

By JON GERARDI jgerardi@sungazette.com

T

here were some rough years for Milton’s boys soccer program in the early-to-mid 2010s. A handful of single digit wins, including a forgettable 2-16 mark in 2016. But that’s all in the past.

What matters for Milton’s boys soccer program is that since 2019, the team has only experienced double-digit wins and playoff berths and that’s what the Black Panthers are focused on: being among the district’s best.

Milton won the program’s first playoff game in 2019 by beating Williamson in the first round and the team has continued to make the postseason each year. The last two years, however, one thing has stood in Milton’s way when districts came around and that’s perennial district power Midd-West.

Milton lost to the Mustangs last year, 2-1, in the District 4 Class AA quarterfinals, the second straight season losing to the Mustangs.

Milton had a solid team last year, but couldn’t edge MiddWest. The Black Panthers are hoping that 2025 will be more in their favor when districts roll around.

Milton will look for Tobin Strous to spark the offense this year. As a sophomore last fall, Strous scored 10 goals and dished out a team-high 11 assists as he was a player who could help his teammates excel wherever they were on the field. And, with a few key offensive losses up top, Strous returning gives the team a huge boost.

Elijah Brosious (three goals, two assists) and Orrie Godown (three goals, three assists) both return for Milton as does Caleb Langdon, who scored three goals and had three assists.

Those sophomores last year got valuable experience and know what it takes to win in the Heartland Athletic Conference and what it takes to excel in districts.

Milton will have the tough task of replacing Jonah Strobel, a standout keeper who earned all-state honors last year. The Black Panthers played all 19 games for Milton in goal and was in net for 1,493 minutes as he recorded 104 saves and averaged 5.5 per game. Only 23 balls got by him all season as he also posted six shutouts and was 1 for 1 on PK saves. The Black Panthers will be without Joel Langdon who graduated last year after earning HAC-I first-team honors as a forward.

Langdon was the team’s leading scorer with 12 goals — tied with Kade Ficks — and had four assists.

Ficks is another player the Black Panthers are without.

Ficks formed a solid 1-2 threat with Langdon as the duo combined for 24 goals and Ficks added three assists. Ficks was a HAC-I third-team all-star at forward. Defensively, Cade Swartzentruber graduated, leaving a hole in the back line for the Black Panthers to replace. Swartzentruber garnered HAC-I third-team all-star honors last fall.

Losing two standout scoring threats and an all-state keeper is tough to replace, and those voids were key areas to address for Milton during the offseason as the season opener approaches. But Eric Yoder has done a solid job as coach for the Black Panthers of getting the most out of his players’ abilities.

The Black Panthers were 11-7-1 last year and the year prior, tied the school record for most wins in a season with 16.

Milton may have some key losses, but don’t expect Milton to have a drop off this year. The Black Panthers are hungry to get back to districts.

GOLDEN GOALS 2025 || 34 ||

WELLSBORO GIRLS

CHRIS MANNING/ Sun-Gazette Correspondent

Wellsboro is hoping to shake off last year’s 5-11-2 season last year and compete within the NTL.

Hornets hope to shake off recent losing skid

By JON GERARDI

T

jgerardi@sungazette.com

he last few seasons have been rough for the Wellsboro girls soccer team. Last year the Green Hornets went 5-112 and finished sixth in the Northern Tier League.

That comes a year after a 4-13-1 campaign and two years following a 6-12-1 season.

Wellsboro hasn’t made the district playoffs since going 8-2-1 in an abbreviated COVID-19 year in 2020, falling to Lewisburg in the first round of the postseason.

Everyone who was part of that playoff team has long graduated, but the players on Wellsboro’s roster are hungry to experience the playoffs for themselves, and are hopeful to build off last year’s five-win campaign.

“My expectations this year are that we’ll compete at a high level in the NTL. The girls have put in a ton of work building chemistry and developing their skills, and I believe that effort will show on the field,” first-year Wellsboro coach Michael Reese said. “We expect to be in the mix every game and challenge for results.” || 35 || GOLDEN GOALS 2025

Wellsboro’s offense wasn’t the most explosive last year, but the team does bring back a lot of its firepower from last year.

That includes Luna Moyer who scored thre goals last year and had one assist in eight games played as a freshman. Moyer did well in her first year of varsity competition and has likely only gotten better throughout the offseason entering her sophomore campaign.

Also back is Ella Boyce, a sophomore last year who also scored three goals and dished out an assist.

Wellsboro will have Jadyn Dunlap back in goal, giving the Green Hornets a huge boost from a defensive standpoint. Dunlap was a sophomore last year and recorded 1,315 minutes in goal with 145 saves, averaging an impressive 9.1 per game.

Dunlap knows what type of talent she will be seeing game in and game out in the Northern Tier and got valuable time last year. Expect her to be an even better goalie this year.

The Green Hornets will be without Annie Gehman this fall. Gehman could do a little of everything regardless of where she was on the field. She saw time in goal through nine games last year and recorded 123 minutes between the pipes. But she also played in the field for nine games

and scored twice and dished out an assist.

Consider Gehman a type of Swiss Army Knife for the team that will be tough to replace from a versatility standpoint.

It’s always tough to break out of a losing slump and get back to winning.

One loss can turn into two, which snowballs into four. Wellsboro’s players know that unfortunately all too well. But, that doesn’t mean the talent isn’t there on the roster.

And Reese knows that the NTL will be challenging.

“Yes, the NTL will be tough again this year. There’s a lot of talent across the league, but we’re confident in our group and excited to see how we stack up against strong competition,” Reese said.

Wellsboro has a lot back this year and has players who can step up from forward back through defense. If the Green Hornets can start the season strong with a handful of wins, that can easily build confidence and get Wellsboro back on the right track toward making a playoff push.

Teams like Troy, Williamson, Athens, Wyalusing and Towanda can give Wellsboro some problems in the NTL, but expect the Green Hornets to be motivated to make some noise.

WELLSBORO BOYS

Wellsboro has chance at 4th straight NTL title

By JON GERARDI

jgerardi@sungazette.com

W

ellsboro has solidified itself as one of the district’s better teams each year over the last 12 seasons. Since 2013, the Green Hornets have posted double-digit wins every single season except 2021 and have had a lot of success.

John Shaffer started that success and in 2018, assistant Todd Fitch took the reigns over and has kept the Green Dragons in the playoff picture every year.

Last year, Wellsboro won its third straight Northern Tier League title — fourth in five years — and reached the district semifinals for a second straight year. Wellsboro knows what it takes to compete with solid teams in District 4 and Fitch has his players focused each season.

This fall won’t be any different as the Green Hornet coach has plenty of talent returning to the team as he inches closer to the 100-win milestone as a coach.

Wellsboro brings back David Seeling to the team, giving the Green Hornets a standout scorer back from last year’s 15-win team. Seeling’s 14 goals last year were third on the team and his 13 assists were second-most on the team. Seeling was a great player that defenses had to take into account when defending.

“Fifty-four of our 81 goals and over half of the assists came from (Micaiah Fitch and Alex CItrino).

We’ve had a busy offseason again this summer and we have players that have been working and waiting for their opportunity to fill the void,” coach Fitch said. “I’m confident that we’ll have players that can hit the back of the net.”

Seeling was a first-team NTL all-star last fall.

Also back for Wellsboro is Mason Nowak and Jude Cuneo.

While neither put up a ton of goals or assists — Nowak had three goals and one assist and Cuneo had two goals and six assists — that duo saw significant time on the field last year and will be looked upon to help boost the offense which has seen quite

a few key graduation losses.

The Green Hornets lost three outstanding scoring threats from last year which leave Fitch with a handful of tough holes to replace.

That includes 2024 Sun-Gazette Player of the Year Micaiah Fitch who scored 21 goals last year with 10 assists. Fitch was one of two players on the team to average 1.1 goals per game and was a key reason the Green Hornets reached the second round of the District 4 Class AA playoffs in 2024.

Alex Citrino is another standout who graduated. Citrino scored 21 goals — 1.1 per game — and dished out a team-high 14 assists. In addition, Lucas Cuneo graduated after a 12-goal, nine-assist senior campaign last fall.

That trio was key for Wellsboro. Fitch was last year’s NTL Overall Player of the Year while Citrino was named 2024 Offensive Player of the Year.

“We graduated an all-state player, NTL Offensive Player of the Year, NTL Defensive Player of the Year, our entire back line, and a valuable player in our midfield. WE have many holes to fill,” coach Fitch said. “Regarldess, the expectation is the same from year to year: better today than yesterday. With so many starters from the 2024 team having graduated, we’ll look different, but we expect to be competitive and still fun to watch.”

The team also had 2024 Defensive Player of the Year Micah Vickery, who graduated, leaving a big hole on the back line to replace.

All three of those players listed who graduated were NTL all-star selections as well, as was Owen Stevens who also graduated.

The Green Hornets have just one returning player who was a Northern Tier League all-star last year as all the rest graduated. While that leaves holes to fill and positions to replace, that doesn’t mean the cupboard is bare.

Wellsboro had a lot of depth last year, and the Green Hornets will be able to make adjustments and compete once again this fall.

RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent

Wellsboro’s Micaiah Fitch was the NTL Player fo the Year and Sun-Gazette Boys Soccer Player of the Year last fall. His graduation leaves a big hole for coach Todd Fitch to fill this season.

GOLDEN GOALS 2025 || 36 ||

NORTH PENN-MANSFIELD GIRLS

Regardless of record, NPM girls keep competing

By JON GERARDI jgerardi@sungazette.com

G

ive North Penn-Mansfield players credit, they have a passion for soccer and a heart for playing.

The team has taken its lumps the last few years, but that doesn’t deter the players who grew up loving the game of soccer. Last year, Mansfield suffered a 1-16-1 season, its second consecutive one-win season. But while the wins weren’t there, the potential was.

“I expect to give our opponents a little more of a challenge this year,” North Penn-Mansfield coach Maryann Wilcox said.

“We have better numbers this year than we have had in the past and we hope that will translate out on the pitch this season.”

The Tigers closed out the season with a 3-2 win over CMVT to prevent a winless season, and Mansfield’s players should hope that win’s momentum carries into this fall. Prior to that, the Tigers lost a 1-0 overtime game to Montgomery, a 2-0 loss to Williamson twice, a 3-2 double overtime loss to Meadowbrook Christian, a 3-2 loss to Northeast Bradford and tied Northumberland Christian 1-1 in two overtimes.

Those competitive games showed Mansfield’s players that they have the ability to hang with teams and can vye for some wins this year.

Avalon Rew got thrown into the fire at goal last year as a sophomore and played all 18 games, recording 196 saves — averaging nearly 11 per game — and had a .800 save percentage. She stepped in to replace 1,000-save standout Tierney Peterson, which was far from an easy task and were some big shoes.

But Rew played well in her first year as a starting goalie and showed a lot of promise in goal.Expect her to have learned from the losses last year and develop her skill even more as a keeper. Mansfield also has Adalyne Yungirth who should split time with Rew in goal.

On the offensive end, Mansfield brings back Brooke Wilcox, a senior last season who scored a team-high nine goals and dished out two assists. While the amount of goals may not wow you, she was pivotal for the Mansfield offense in keeping the Tigers in games throughout the fall.

Wilcox noted a handful of fresh faces as well this year in freshmen Scarlett Graham, Serena Boiywo, Leila Garverick, Colette Frey, Laurel Morgan and Isabellea Massaro. “(They are) all freshmen that I believe will be making some great things happen on the field,’ Wilcox said.

Mansfield lost both Olivia Likens and Karen Wetzel, two seniors who helped spark the team up top.

Likens had the second-most goals on the team with two and had an assist and Wetzel had two assists and a goal.

While there weren’t a ton of goals for Mansfield last year, Likens and Wetzel helped spread the offense and take some pressure off of Wilcox.

It’s hard to get out of a losing slump, but coach Wilcox has done a solid job developing players at Mansfield and her and her team knows the Northern Tier will be tough each year.

The good news for Mansfield’s players is that there’s nowhere to go but up. Last year’s tough close losses should have helped the team get better, and the team has the ability to play well and string together some wins if they play solid. || 37 || GOLDEN GOALS 2025

CHRIS MANNING/ Sun-Gazette Correspondent

Mansfield will have to replace Olivia Likens after she graduated following this past season.

NORTH PENN-LIBERTY BOYS CHRIS MANNING/ Sun-Gazette Correspondent

North Penn-Liberty’s boys soccer team is hoping to build off last year’s 11-win season, its most wins in a year since 2011.

Liberty had one of its best season’s in 2024

By JON GERARDI

N

jgerardi@sungazette.com

orth Penn-Liberty put together one of its best season’s in recent memories last fall. The Mounties went 11-7-1, the most wins in a single season since going 11-7 in 2011 and 12-8 in 2007.

North Penn-Liberty had a rough matchup against a talented Warrior Run team in the first round of districts and fell in the Class AA tournament, 4-0.

But three playoff appearances in four years is obviously trending in the right direction for the Mounties. That’s even more of a statement given the Mounties didn’t make the postseason at all between 2013-20.

“I think our success to doing well is the player’s buying in and playing together as a team where at times they are used to being a me and not a team, and now it’s more of a team I feel,” North Penn-Liberty coach Matt Grinnell said. “There’s not as much fighting and arguing with each other and we had a lot of dedicated soccer

players.”

One huge piece back for Liberty is goalie Deakon Valentine. The junior Mountie last year had 168 goals — among the most in the area — and averaged 9.3 per game as he was key in keeping Liberty in every game they played in. He recorded 1,440 minutes and accounted for three shutouts in goal and was in goal for all 11 wins. He had a .800 save percentage as well and having an offseason to continue to get better is only beneficial not just to Valentine, but the team as well.

“Our team’s biggest strength this year is our defense and our goalkeeper,” Grinnell said.

Offensively, as noted below, Liberty loses a lot of its weapons. But returning is Bryce Kent does return and brings experience after competing in 13 games and scoring two goals with three assists.

Liberty also has back Truman Loudenslager and Mason Forer, who both played in 17 games last year and got valuable varsity experience.

It is tough to lose one standout scorer,

and even harder when you have to replace two of your best offensive weapons.

Unfortunately for Liberty, they’re in the boat of replacing their top three scorers.

Adynn Wheeland, Brady Stetter and Tayton Strange all graduated and leave some big shoes to fill.

Wheeland and Stetter each scored 16 goals apiece last year while Strange scored eight goals. In addition, that trio combined for 22 assists. Forty goals and 22 assists between them is a lot of offensive firepower that the Mounties will look to replace.

It won’t be easy to replace a talented trio of scorers in Wheeland, Stetter and Stranger, but Liberty had success last year and a lot of its younger players on the roster got valuable time on the field.

The goals might be a bit harder to come by this year, but the Mounties will be eager to make it a third straight trip to the postseason this year after last year’s standout year.

“The team is very motivated to build off last year’s season,” Grinnell said. “We have a lot more new faces this year.”

GOLDEN GOALS 2025 || 38 ||

SULLIVAN COUNTY GIRLS

Playoff win showed grit Sullivan girls have

By JON GERARDI

I

jgerardi@sungazette.com

n a span of just 40 minutes, Sullivan County’s girls soccer team showed that they could battle and fight. In a District 4 Class A play-in game, the Griffins found themselves trailing at halftime.

Some teams may have put their heads down and thought the season was over.

But not Sullivan County or coach Jody McCarty. The players responded and battled, scoring three second-half goals to win the program’s first playoff game since 2018 and advanced to the quarterfinals, 3-2, over Montgomery.

That play-in game comeback win gave the players a ton of confidence and showed them they can compete within the district against teams and advance.

“Our team is proud of what they accomplished last year in getting to the postseason,” McCarty said. “They are putting in the work and have set the goal to go back this year.”

Lily McCarty had a breakthrough season last year as a junior. The Griffin scored a team-high 27 goals — also among the most goals scored in the area — while she also had six assists. McCarty averaged 1.7 goals per game and was a threat every game.

Not many teams had any answer to slow McCarty down, and no doubt she’s going to want to make her senior season one to remember and go out with a bang. McCarty was a Mid-Penn first-team midfielder last year and became a 50-goal scorer.

Sullivan County brings back essentially its entire team from last year, which coach McCarty is no doubt happy about having that much talent returning.

“We have five seniors this year who will provide a lot of leadership to younger players and set the bar high for practices,” McCarty said. “We also have a hard-working group of freshmen coming in. Expectations are high for the team to get back to the playoffs again this year.”

August Harney and Ansley Baldwin are both back to help spark the scoring again. Harney had nine goals on the team, second most, and had six assists.

Baldwin had four goals and three assists.

Alana Olson is also back and she had three goals and six assists last year.

That’s a lot of goal-scoring production returning from last year’s squad.

A huge addition back is that of goalie Mariah Hallabuk. She played in 14 games last year, logging 1,049 minutes and recording an impressive 294 goals to || 39 || GOLDEN GOALS 2025

DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Sullivan County celebrates after scoring a game against Montgomery. The Griffins trailed at halftime and rallied to win 3-2. keep the Griffins in games. She was more than tested last year, averaging 21 saves per game. Hallabuk was a junior last year and received Mid-Penn all-star honors as an honorable mention selection.

The only players that Sullivan County lost to graduation were Lauren Minier, Adriana Krause and Emma White. Of that trio, only Minier and White played in at least 15 games last year. Minier was a solid defender for the Griffins and will leave a hole on the back line for coach McCarty to replace.

Last year was the first time Sullivan County recorded 10 or more wins in a single season since going 13-7 in 2018. Last year’s win against Montgomery was also just the third postseason win in program

history for the Griffins.

The Griffins are going to ride that momentum from last year into this season.

While Sullivan County lost to South Williamsport in a lopsided district quarterfinal following their comeback win against Montgomery, that win provided confidence for the players. And with majority of the team returning, expect Sullivan County to look to build off 2024 and make another playoff run in 2025.

McCarty knows the Mid-Penn will provide some tests for the team.

“The Mid-Penn always has great competition. There are some tojugh teams that are going to be really hard to beat.”

McCarty said. “We are working hard to be competitive with any team we face.”

SULLIVAN COUNTY BOYS

Griffins hope to shake off last year’s season

By JON GERARDI

L

jgerardi@sungazette.com

ast year was rough for the Sullivan County boys soccer team. The Griffins suffered their worst single-season in terms of wins since going 7-11 in 2016. Sure, the talent was there on the team but the Griffins weren’t able to find as many wins as they would have hoped.

Sullivan County instead just missed on a playoff appearance by going 7-11-1 and 2-7-1 in the Mid-Penn.

But like any sport, you have to live in the present. Yes, that season was tough for the Sullivan County players to have, but they aren’t dwelling on it or even stressing about it. This fall marks a new season and what is in the past is there for a reason.

The players are motivated to shake it off and get back to competing within the playoffs.

The Griffins have been playoff bound five of the last seven seasons and want to

once again be playing in late October.

Sullivan County returns two of its top three scoring threats from last year, meaning the team won’t by shy on fire power.

Mid-Penn first-team all-star selection Tucker Blasi returns for his senior season after leading the team with 13 goals — in just 12 games played — and three assists.

He averaged 1.1 goals per game last fall.

Colin King is also a senior this year and had six goals last year and two assists.

The six goals were tied for second-most on the team.

Lucas King (three goals, three assists) and Cole Barto (two goals, five assists) both will be back on the field this fall as well to help propel the Griffins.

A tough player to replace will be Christopher Koshack. The Mid-Penn first-team midfielder graduated and leaves a hole in the lineup that will be tough to replace talent wise.

He’s one of two Mid-Penn all-star selections from Sullivan County that graduated. Also gone is Ethan Strain who

garnered honorable mention honors last fall as a keeper.

Strain had 165 saves last year and averaged 8.7 per game with an impressive .800 save percentage. Strain played 1,525 minutes last year between the pipes and was a very good last line of defense for the Griffins.

Those two were talented players who leave spots in the lineup that won’t be the easiest to fill, especially in goal.

Replacing a goalie is always difficult to do, especially one who was a league allstar. But coach Chris Koschak has been around the block for awhile and knows that players come and go in high school soccer. Expect him to have an answer in goal this fall.

The Griffins are hungry to get back to the postseason and show as well that last year was just a fluke. How many wins will Sullivan County put up this year? Will they make a run in districts?

We’ll have to wait until October to see how it all shapes up.

GOLDEN GOALS 2025 || 40 ||

Reaching new heights Programming plyometrics properly to rise above the competition

By JAYLA FELIX

A

Sun-Gazette Correspondent

s a former competitive club soccer player, I dreamt of playing at the collegiate level was ended by a chronic overuse injury. I view this setback as a blessing, as it sparked my passion to become a sports physical therapist.

I graduated from Warrior Run and hold a bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Lebanon Valley College. Currently, I’m a physical therapy student working toward my doctorate.

I plans to focus my career on injury prevention and performance training for youth athletes with a focus on educating athletes, parents and coaches on proper, safe training regimens and techniques.

My goal is to support athletes not only in their physical recovery from injuries, but also in building their mental resilience, preparing them to step back onto the field with confidence, and providing guidance through any setbacks they may face.

Plyometrics are a way for athletes to rise above competition and have many benefits.

Plyometrics are rapid and explosive movements that produce maximal force in a minimal amount of time. Lower extremity plyometric exercises can involve jumping, hopping and bouncing. Generally, plyometrics improve reaction time, jump height, jump distance, muscular power, explosiveness, speed, agility, balance and coordination.

Additionally, according to the article “Effects of plyometric training on kicking performance in soccer players: A systematic review and meta-analysis”, published by the journal Frontiers in Physiology (2023), plyometrics can reduce the occurrence of injuries, such as ACL tears, and improve kicking performance in soccer players.

SAFETY

AGE AND SKILL LEVEL

At this point in research, there is no universal age for when children can start a plyometric program, however according to the National Strength and Conditioning Association, even pre-pubescent children can benefit from a plyometric program.

Depth jumps and high-intensity lower-body plyometrics should not be performed though. Furthermore, children should have the emotional maturity to understand the benefits and safety measures associated with plyometrics.

PROPER TECHNIQUE

Technique needs to be emphasized and monitored throughout plyometric exercise. || 41 || GOLDEN GOALS 2025

For example, excessive inward movement can cause an increased risk of knee injuries.

Proper technique is when landing, shoulders on top of the knees and knees over the toes, flexed hips, knees and ankles. Your knees should be over your toes.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Athletes who weigh more than 220 pounds, according to the NSCA, should steer clear of depth jumps from heights greater than 18 inches, high-intensity plyometric exercises and high-volume exercises. Past injuries and skeletal abnormalities can raise an athlete’s risk of injury.

Individuals with past injuries to the vertebral discs or those with joint laxity should be cautious when starting a plyometric program.

EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES

The NSCA recommends the landing surface to be shock-absorbing, such as a rubber mat, grass or suspended floor — concrete, tile and hardwood are inadvisable. Boxes used should be sturdy, have a non-slip top and be between 6-42 inches high.

Footwear should have good support, a wide toe box, lateral stability and a flat, non-slip sole. Running shoes are not recommended because they do not offer lateral stability.

Athletes must be supervised to ensure proper form and safety.

STABILITY AND BALANCE

Before beginning a plyometric program, make sure athletes have sufficient stability and balance. The NSCA states that individuals starting a beginning plyometric program need to be able to stand on one leg for 30 seconds without falling.

Players beginning an intermediate program need to hold a single-leg quarter squat for 30 seconds without falling. Those who begin an advanced program need to maintain a single-leg half squat for 30 seconds without falling.

STARTING A PLYOMETRIC PROGRAM NEEDS ANALYSIS

Soccer requires movements in all planes of motion, as players make strong, rapid changes of direction. It is important to evaluate skill levels, injury history and training history to determine whether to start a beginner, intermediate or advanced program.

WHEN TO PERFORM PLYOMETRICS

Plyometrics should be performed at the beginning of a workout, after a warm-up and before resistance exercise.

WARM-UP

Before practice, a 10-15 minute warmup should be completed prior to a plyometric session. First, a general warm-up should be completed such as jogging in different planes of motion followed by dynamic stretching that targets the ankles, knees, hips and shoulders.

Lastly, low-intensity plyos should be performed such as pogos, skips, and light bounding, prior to higher intensity plyos during the training session.

INTENSITY

Intensity factors include the height of the drill, the speed, the points of contact and the body weight of the athlete. Body weight can be increased with weighted vests and ankle weights to add to the intensity of the drill.

FREQUENCY

According to the NSCA, plyometrics should be completed 1-3 times per week with a recovery time of 48-72 hours between sessions.

RECOVERY

For high-intensity or maximum jumps, such as depth jumps, the NSCA recommends a work-to-rest ratio of 1:5 to 1:10 should be utilized. For example, if the athlete works for eight seconds, they should rest between 40-80 seconds between attempts.

Recovery for depth jumps and other high-intensity efforts should be 2-3 minutes between sets. Jumps that require landing in the same spot require no rest between jumps.

Standing jumps that require the athlete to move horizontally or vertically require recovery between reps. For low-moderate intensity plyometrics, rest should be 15 seconds or less between jumps and 30-60 seconds between sets.

VOLUME

Volume of plyometrics is generally expressed in foot contacts and other times by distance. Foot contacts are the number of times feet touch the ground during a workout.

When performing single-leg movements, The NSCA advises beginners to aim for a foot contact volume of 80-100, intermediate 100-120, and advanced 120-140.

PROGRESSION

As intensity increases, volume should decrease and vice versa. During the preseason, volume should be higher and less during the season. When starting a plyometric program, begin with low to moderate volumes of low-intensity plyometrics, to low to moderate volumes of moderate intensity, to low to moderate volumes of moderate to high intensity plyometrics.

BEGINNER PLYOMETRICS TO START INCORPORATING INTO YOUR PROGRAM 2.

3.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Jayla Felix is shown doing standing long jumps,, as described in No. 4, in this photo by by Caleb Buckholdt and Savannah Keckler who both hold a bachelor’s of exercise science degree from Lebanon Valley College.

1. LATERAL BOUNDS STARTING POSITION: Stand on your right foot and lift the opposite foot off the ground making sure to stabilize your entire core.

MOVEMENT: Push off your right foot and jump sideways to the left foot while using arms for momentum.

LANDING: Softly on left foot bending knee slightly; pause for a second before repeating the motion It is acceptable for beginners or injured athletes to gaze down at first if they need help with balance and maintaining hip-knee-ankle alignment. However, encourage a neutral gaze as athletes improve for overall standing posture and spatial awareness.

SINGLE LEG ANKLE HOPS OVER LINE STARTING POSITION: Find a sideline (or a circular cone if there is no sideline). Stand upright on one foot with knee in line with toes while stabilizing your core.

MOVEMENT: Hop forward and backwards over the line while with one foot while standing tall before switching to the other foot. Also perform this movement laterally back and forth over the line.

LANDING: Landing should be soft with knee in line with hips and toes and while on the balls of your feet.

SQUAT JUMPS STARTING POSITION: In a squat position with thighs slightly above parallel to the ground and with feet shoulder width apart. Do not round your back during this movement.

Lock your fingers together behind your head.

MOVEMENT: Jump up as far as you can and land back into a squat position before repeating the jump for a set number of reps.

4. STANDING LONG JUMPS STARTING POSITION: Stand upright with feet shoulder-width apart.

PREPARATORY MOVEMENT: Start with a countermovement by rapidly bending your knees and hips into a quarter squat while swinging both arms backwards.

UPWARD MOVEMENT: Jump forward using your arms for momentum.

DOWNWARD MOVEMENT: Land on both feet and rest between each jump for 60-90 seconds.

Plyometrics are an important tool for soccer athletes to improve performance and neuromuscular control when programmed properly. When performing these exercises emphasize correct form and posture over jump height and distance to avoid risk of injury.Plyometrics are appropriate for players at all levels and will lead to a considerable increase in strength, reaction time, and agility that will give them an edge over their opponents.

GOLDEN GOALS 2025 || 42 ||

BEGINNER PLYOMETRICS TO START INCORPORATING INTO YOUR PROGRAM

PHOTO PROVIDED

Jayla Felix is shown doing the T-shape pogo hops, as described in No. 5, in this photo by by Caleb Buckholdt and Savannah Keckler who both hold a bachelor’s of exercise science degree from Lebanon Valley College. This can be done as single leg as a progression. For goalkeepers, consider throwing a ball back and forth with them to catch while they are performing this drill.

Emphasize quick feet and soft landings while keeping the eyes looking forward.

5. T-SHAPED POGO HOPS STARTING POSITION: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart behind cone 1.

MOVEMENT: Jump forward and quickly over cones 1, 2, 3 and 4.

From cone 4, immediately jump sideways to the right between cones 4 and 5. Then jump quickly between cones 5 and 6. Jump back between cones 5 and 4, cones 4 and 7, and cones 7 and 8. Jog back to the start resting for 30-90 seconds. On the next set, after jumping over cones 1 through 4, jump sideways to the left first.

This can be done single-leg as a progression. For goalkeepers, consider throwing a ball back and forth with them to catch while they are performing this drill.

Emphasize quick feet and soft landings while keeping the eyes looking forward.

6. SPLIT SQUAT JUMPS STARTING POSITION: Split squat top position.

PREPARATORY MOVEMENT: Start with a countermovement by squatting down to load the legs while tightening your entire core.

MOVEMENT: Jump up explosively, pushing with both feet. Land softly in the same position you started and immediately begin next jump.

Repeat until you reach a set number of reps.

Progress to lunge jumps by switching leg positions while in the air, landing on the opposite leg.

7. EXPLOSIVE FORWARD TUCK JUMPS STARTING POSITION: Start with feet shoulder-width apart with knees slightly bent and entire core engaged.

PREPARATORY MOVEMENT: From this position, start with a countermovement by lowering down into a partial squat and swinging the arms back for momentum.

MOVEMENT: Jump forward and up by pushing through the ground.

Then, pull your knees to your chest while touching your knees with both hands and releasing before landing. Land softly in starting position and repeat jump for set number of reps.

8, JUMP AND REACH STARTING POSITION: Stand upright with feet shoulder-width apart.

PREPARATORY MOVEMENT: Begin with countermovement.

UPWARD MOVEMENT: Jump and reach for an object (soccer ball may be used).

DOWNWARD MOVEMENT: Land in starting position, pausing for 2s before repeating the jump This movement is more sport specific for goal keepers and can be done with two hands or with one hand at a time before switching.

Jayla Felix, a Warrior Run graduate and former club soccer player plans to focus her career on injury prevention and performance training for youth athletes with a focus on educating athletes, parents and coaches on proper, safe trainig regiments and techniques.

She can be reached by email at jaylafelix20@gmail.com.

|| 43 || GOLDEN GOALS 2025

BEGINNER PLYOMETRICS TO START INCORPORATING INTO YOUR PROGRAM

PHOTO PROVIDED

Jayla Felix is shown doing the jump and reach polymetric exercise, as described in No. 8 in this photo by by Caleb Buckholdt and Savannah Keckler who both hold a bachelor’s of exercise science degree from Lebanon Valley College. This movement is more sport specific for goal keepers and can be done with two hands or with one hand at a time before switching

PHOTOS PROVIDED

At left and above, Jayla Felix is shown doing the split squat jumps, as described in No. 6, in this photo by by Caleb Buckholdt and Savannah Keckler who both hold a bachelor’s of exercise science degree from Lebanon Valley College.

GOLDEN GOALS 2025 || 44 ||

DISTRICT 4 BOYS SOCCER BREAKDOWN

District 4 features numerous talented teams.

Who will be vying for the playoffs in 2025?

Williamsport Sun-Gazette sports editor Jon Gerardi breaks down the District 4 landscape for boys soccer.

ATHENS

The Wildcats are coming off a 9-8-3 season in which they lost a tough contest to Selinsgrove, 2-0, in the District 4 Class AAA championship game. Athens played well in the postseason and blanked Shikellamy, 1-0, in the semifinals.

Defensively, Athens played well last year by limiting its opponents to just 23 goals. Only five opponents scored two or more goals in a game against the Wildcats this year, one of them being the Seals in the district final and Harbor Creek (5-0) two games before the season ended. But Athens also posted six shutouts all year long. The Wildcats made opposing forwards work for every shot.

Offensively, Athens struggled to put up goals. In 20 games, the teams scored just 25 goals and only scored two or more goals in a game five times. Athens will no doubt be looking to boost its offensive firepower this year to be more of a threat in games, and will hope its defense keeps playing well.

Last year was the 11th season in the past 12 which saw Athens post a winning record. The Wildcats are consistently a top team within the Northern Tier League and will look to be one yet again this season.

Two big question marks for Athens will be replacing Troy Rosenbloom and Brayden Onofre.

The pair were both second-team Northern Tier League all-star selections as Rosenbloom was a second-team forward and Onofre was a second-team midfielder.

BENTON

The Tigers have seen a ton of success the last few years. In the COVID-shortened season in 2020, || 45 || GOLDEN GOALS 2025

SUN-GAZETTE FILE PHOTO

Athens, shown playing against Williamsport at Balls Mills last fall, is coming off a 9-8-3 season.

Benton went 3-6 and finished fifth in the Mid-Penn. But ever since that down year, Benton's been on a steady trajectory upward and putting together solid seasons.

Benton went 9-9 the next year and finished 5-5 in the Mid-Penn.

And since then? Three straight league titles, only two Mid-Penn league losses and three consecutive years with at least 15 wins.

Not a bad three-year span for the Tigers, and no doubt Benton's players want to keep that success up.

Benton went 18-2 last year and finished 10-1 within the Mid-Penn for its third straight league championship.

The only Mid-Penn team to beat Benton last year was Millville who eliminated the Tigers from the District 4 Class A playoffs in last year's semifinals in a close game, 3-2. It prevented Benton from winning a

repeat district championship after the Tigers capped the 2023 season with the District 4 Class A title following a 1-0 win over a talented East Juniata team.

That loss to Millville left a bad taste in Benton's mouth and the Tigers are looking to get back to the championship game again this year and get to states once again.

Benton will need to replace an extremely talented player in Max Kocher, last year's Mid-Penn Player of the Year and first-team forward all-star. While losing Kocher stings, the Tigers do bring back Mid-Penn first-team midfielder Dalton Koch, helping give the Tigers a boost both offensively and defensively.

BLOOMSBURG

The Panthers are coming off a 6-9-3 season, but that's a step in the right direction after going 2-15-1 the year prior. Bloomsburg

didn't have the most prolific scoring offense, but the Panthers had playmakers who can put up goals.

The bad news is Bloomsburg lost two standout scorers in Justin Pegg and Connor Fogg. Pegg led Bloomsburg had 11 goals and six assists last season, both team highs, and was a player defenses knew they had to account for. He was a second-team HAC-I midfielder.

Fogg meanwhile scored three goals and had two assists. While he didn't have a ton of goals, he was still an offensive threat who could help spread the offense around.

The Panthers do return Reuben Draus though. The sophomore had four goals last year, second-most on the team, and has only improved from his sophomore season. Expect Draus to be a go-to player to take the reigns offensively.

Bloomsburg will need to get used to life without goalie Rainer Draus who logged 1,023 minutes last year and recorded 132 saves, averaging 8.3 per game. The goalie was a stud and garnered first-team HAC-I honors last fall.

Bloomsburg also graduated HAC-I defender Trisdyn Fleetwood, leaving a hole on the back line.

Bloomsburg has a lot of question marks to fill, but the players who got experience last year want to keep improving in the win column and build off 2024's success.

CENTRAL COLUMBIA

Central Columbia has put together three outstanding seasons. After back-to-back four-win campaigns in 2019 and 2020, the Blue Jays went 9-9-1 in 2021. Since then? The Blue Jays are 48-14 with back-to-back district semifinal appearances and a state berth.

That's a credit to Zach Diehl getting the program on an upward trajectory. Last season the Blue Jays fell to perennial district power Midd-West, 2-1, in the semifinals.

That comes a year after losing to Midd-West in the District 4 championship game, 1-0.

The Blue Jays won its second consecutive HAC-II league title last year as well.

Diehl was named HAC-II Coach of the Year last season and Central's standout season is a great example why.

The Blue Jays did lose a handful from last year's outstanding team.

That includes HAC-II Player of the Year Torin Karns. The Blue Jay scored 22 goals last year — averaging 1.2 per game — while dishing out 11 assists. Scoring threat AJ Sedor also graduated after a 14goal, 11-assist season.

Both were HAC-II first-team forwards.

The Blue Jays do have some other holes to replace too, including the graduation of HAC-II first-team defender Jacob Hunsinger and HAC-II third-team midfielder Charlie Shukausky.

But good news for Central Columbia — and bad news for opponents — is that Gaige Gensemer returns after last year's outstanding junior campaign. Gensemer, a HACII first-team midfielder last year, led the team with 26 goals (1.4 per game) and had 17 assists (0.9 per game).

Teams knew they had to account for Gensemer, but he still found the goal and found open teammates to score. He'll be the focal point of the Blue Jays' offense this year, but no doubt teams still will struggle to contain him.

Central Columbia also will return goalie Lucas Utt who was a junior last year and was in goal for 19 of Central Columbia's games. He posted 42 goals as teams didn't get many looks at the goal and only 17 goals slipped past him through his time between the pipes.

He also helped post eight shutouts.

DANVILLE

Last year wasn't one the Ironmen were hoping for, and likely one that players and fans quickly have put in the rearview mirror.

Danville went 4-13-1, the worst season Danville has suffered since a five-win season in the COVID-19-shortened 2020 year.

But last year marked the first time Danville was not in the postseason since 2010 and the four wins were the fewest since going 4-11-3 in 2008.

Needless to say, Danville wants to get back to the postseason.

Coach Brian Dressler is closing in on the 200-win milestone as well, needing just five for the mark.

Dressler took the team over in 2009 and has only missed the playoffs twice since then.

While the wins weren't there, the talent was.

The Ironmen were able to put up goals and played well throughout the year, but let some tough games slip away. The Ironmen will be without standout Nick Hand, however, after he graduated following a 10-goal performance and had four assists.

Both those marks were tied for the team high alongside Jacob Marks. Marks returns after being a

SUN-GAZETTE FILE PHOTO

Central Columbia, shown playing Loyalsock during a game last season, is coming off an outstanding 17-3 season in which the Blue Jays reached the District 4 semifinals. junior last year and earned HAC-I honorable mention all-star honors as a midfielder. He was also the only Danville player to earn league honors.

The team also has Colin Sauers returning, a goalie who played all year and logged 1,440 minutes with 140 saves, averaging 7.8 per game.

Sauers was tested in goal and that's invaluable in terms of getting varsity experience against tough teams within the district and league.

Chris Hand and Fisher Woll return this year after both were freshmen and gained valuable varsity experience.

This marks Dressler's 17th year as a coach, and he knows how to make adjustments to get the most out of his team. Expect Danville to learn from the losses it suffered last year and take steps back to winning and making a playoff run.

EAST JUNIATA

Perennial district power and East Juniata are synonymous with one another, although last year was the exception to that saying. The Tigers suffered a rough year going 2-15-1

and earned just one win within the Tri-Valley League.

It was the least amount of wins in a season for the first time in 20 years after just five wins in 2004.

Single digit wins aren't where the Tigers program wants to be. It wants to be vying for district titles like it did for quite awhile throughout this decade.

East Juniata is just three years removed from winning back-to-back District 4 titles and seniors on this year's team know what it was like to win district gold.

East Juniata's offense struggled last year. The Tigers scored just 15 goals last year and managed to score two or more goals in a game just three times: vs. Shamokin (win, 2-1), Millersburg (win, 2-1) and Susquenita in the season-finale (loss, 10-3).

That offense was led by Wrett Smith who had a team-high five goals and five assists. Smith was just a junior last year and will be counted on to help propel the offense this year as well.

In goal, Anthony Hepner was a freshman and while he may not have put up a ton of saves, he gained experience throughout the year which will be nothing but bene-

ficial this season.

The team's defense also wasn't as solid as it had been in year's past as it allowed 75 goals and ended the year on a tough eight-game losing streak.

Time will tell if last year's twowin season was a fluke or not, but there's no doubt the players are motivated to put wins on the board and get back to the postseason. Last year's 2-15-1 season last year also was the first time the Tigers weren't in the District 4 playoffs since 2018.

East Juniata finished third in the TVL West last year.

GALETON

After back-to-back eight-win seasons, Galeton suffered a 5-13 season last year and missed the postseason for the third time this decade.

But considering the fact that Galeton had five games that were within two goals, the Tigers very well could have seen a 10-win season last year. Galeton's players know they were a better team than their record indicated, and are motivated to go out this fall and prove exactly that.

One key member of last year's

GOLDEN GOALS 2025 || 46 ||

team that will be tough to replace is standout Jordan Ward. He was a first-team Northern Tier League defender last season and was Galeton's lone NTL all-star selection between the first and second teams.

Losing an all-star selection will be tough to replace, especially on the defensive end.

The cupboard isn't bare for Galeton, however. The team returns leading scorer Gavin Shutt who had 13 goals and helped spark the offense. In addition, Trey Sykora is back and had a good freshman season. Sykora had five goals — tied for second-most on the team — and led the team with five assists.

That freshman success will only help instill confidence in Sykora this fall.

Galeton had a total of four players who were freshmen or sophomores score at least one goal last year. They all got experience on the field and will look to help the team's offense excel this year.

LOURDES

Last year was the second consecutive season Lourdes had a .500-or-better record and went 8-83. While Lourdes' season came to an unfortunate end in the first round of the District 4 Class AAA playoffs with a 4-0 loss against a talented Milton team, getting to the playoffs in consecutive seasons was something Lourdes is glad about.

And, the Red Raiders are hoping it becomes a constant.

Lourdes was 8-6-2 heading into the final stretch of the year last fall after a 3-1 winover Pottsville a a 4-1 win against Marian Catholic. However Lourdes fell to Shamokin, 3-2, tied Pine Grove in double overtime, 0-0, and ended the regular season with a 4-0 loss to Blue Mountain.

Lourdes started last year strong with a 3-1-2 start to the season as well.

Those who are back for the Red Raiders got a taste of the playoffs and will want to get back and try to make a deep run. Last year will serve as some motivation and something the Red Raiders want to repeat.

MEADOWBROOK CHRISTIAN

Meadowbrook Christian has suffered some tough seasons the last few years. The program has just one winning season since going 15-5-1 in 2017. That's also the last time Meadowbrook Christian has seen the Allegheny Christian Athletic Association playoffs when they won the title with a 3-0 win over Northumberland Christian.

Last year, Meadowbrook Chrisitan finished 4-8-4 and was third in the ACAA with a 4-2-3 record. The team ended with 34 goals scored and 27 goals allowed, but the team has plenty to build off going into this fall.

|| 47 || GOLDEN GOALS 2025

Meadowbrook Christian had six losses that were by two or fewer goals. That means the Lions record could have been a lot different and the players know how close they were in those games from being on the winning side of things instead of the losing side.

Meadowbrook Christian has won just seven games the last two years, but expect the Lions to be motivated to be better. The talent is on the roster throughout the lineup, it's just a matter of executing on the field and flipping some of those losses.

MIDD-WEST

Quick trivia time. When was the last time Midd-West's boys soccer team missed the postseason? If it took you a bit of time to guess the answer, don't feel bad. The Mustangs aren't usually on the outside looking in come late October.

The last time Midd-West hadn't been in the postseason was 2011 when Midd-West finished 7-9-2 and just missed qualifying. That's also the only time the program has missed the playoffs since becoming Midd-West High School in 2004.

Quite the accomplishment.

Last year, Midd-West went 15-42 and came up just shy of winning a District 4 Class AA championship after losing to longtime rival and perennial district power Lewisburg, 2-1. But, Midd-West still made the state tournament and lost to Northwestern Lehigh 9-1 in the first round.

That tough state loss was something the Mustangs want to erase as they move forward.

Midd-West is also looking this year to capture its second district title in three seasons.

The Mustangs have some holes to fill, however. Midd-West graduated two standout first-team HAC-I midfielders in Brandon Ferster and Will Stover and first-team HAC-I defender Evan Leitzel. But the good news for Midd-West fans is that the Mustangs bring back a lot this year.

And plenty are returning HAC-I all-star selections.

Back is first-team HAC-I defender Gabe Romig, who was a sophomore last year and helped the team play well all year from a defensive standpoint.

Second-team HAC-I forward Alex Trojan returns, as does HAC-I third-team forward Connor Stoltzfus and honorable mention all-star Evan Devine (midfield).

Trojan, Devine and Stoltzfus were all key parts of the Mustangs' offense. The trio combined for 35 goals and 16 assists. Trojan led the team with 15 goals while Devine and Stoltzfus each scored 10 and Devine had a team-high nine assists last year.

That trio returning gives the offense a huge boost, meaning Midd-West has plenty of fire power that defenses will have to key in on.

Midd-West started a freshman in goal last year in Derek Wert and he

played great throughout the season, posting eight shutouts and recording 28 saves as the defense didn't allow teams to fire many shots against them.

Midd-West will once again be a tough team to defeat, and there's little doubt that the Mustangs will once again be vying for a district title when late October rolls around.

MIFFLINBURG

Last year was the worst season the Wildcats have experienced in the 2000s. Mifflinburg went a disappointing 1-17 just a year after reaching the District 4 Class AAA championship game and making its first playoff appearance since 2017.

The team allowed 94 goals against and struggled offensively, scoring just 16 goals.

But there's always a way to find positive takeaways and move forward, and the Wildcats no doubt are hoping to do just that and get back to winning this fall.

Mifflinburg has talent on its roster. Returning is Dylan Siegel, a senior this year who was a second-team HAC-II midfielder. The Wildcats also have Nikali Conklin returning, a HAC-II goalie honorable mention all-star selection in 2024.

Having two HAC all-stars returning is beneficial for Mifflinburg.

After beating Shamokin last year, 5-3, in early October, the Wildcats suffered a string of four consecutive losses to close out the year. But Mifflinburg's players know they have the ability to win games, and will look to shake off that rough season last year with just one win and put together a competitive season.

MILLVILLE

Millville came shy of winning last year's District 4 Class A championship, falling to top-seeded Northumberland Christian, 4-1. It was an outstanding year for the Quakers after back-to-back seasons missing the postseason.

The Quakers went 15-6 last year after winning just nine games the previous two seasons combined.

The players gained confidence and the team doesn't want to experience those rough seasons again.

Millville turned the corner and looks to once again be one of the top teams in the district fold, something the Quakers were known for previously. Last year, Millville allowed just 37 goals while scoring 47. That defense was anchored by Aydin Boyunegmez and the Quakers return him as he was only a junior last year. Boyunegmez was named a Mid-Penn first-team defender last year.

Also back for Millville is Chase Reynolds, a sophomore last year who earned Mid-Penn honorable mention all-star honors.

One big hole for Millville, however, will be attempting to replace a standout goalie in Thomas Kraintz.

The first-team Mid-Penn goalie proved to be solid all year long, in addition to the last few seasons, and replacing him will be tough for Millville.

Expect Millville to once again be in the district playoff mix and, if last year was any indication, competing again for district gold.

NORTHEAST BRADFORD

Last year wasn't the one Northeast Bradford's players had hoped for. After going 4-13-1, the Panthers had a sour taste in their mouths.

While the year wasn't the best, the final few games of the season shined a glimmer of hope for the team. The Panthers lost narrowly to North Penn-Liberty, 5-4, and lost the season-finale to Blue Ridge on the road, 2-1. Between those games was also a 3-2 win against Galeton.

What's it mean? Northeast Bradford was gaining some confidence late and playing well as a team against teams and were in games until the very end. Yes, the Panthers missed out on making the District 4 playoffs, but those close losses and wins late in the year are building blocks for this fall.

Eli Stanton was a first-team Northern Tier League all-star last fall for the Panthers as a defender and was the team's only first-team all-star selection.

Tyler Kuhns earned second-team honors as a midfielder and Dan Barrett was a second-team defender.

Those three all return for the Panthers and bring back experience and, more importantly, can help lay a foundation for the future. They were part of those close games at the tail-end of the season and can help the younger players focus on being successful.

NORTHUMBERLAND CHRISTIAN

Talk about an unbelievably great season. Last year Northumberland Christian won its sixth straight Allegheny Christian Athletic Association title by going 12-0 in the league and went 24-1 overall en route to winning the program's first-ever District 4 championship.

Northumberland Christian allowed just two goals in four district playoff games before falling to perennial state power Wyoming Seminary in the first round of the PIAA Class A tournament, 6-0.

Needless to say, Northumberland Christian wants to get back to states and prove it can contend with the best.

The Warriors' offense was superb, scoring 107 goals and defensively, Northumberland Christian was just as good with only 17 goals allowed all year, averaging less than one per game.

The Warriors bring back a lot of

SUN-GAZETTE FILE PHOTO

Shamokin’s Braxton Haupt goes for a header against Montgomery last year. Haupt and the Indians are looking to build off a five-win season in 2024. its offense including Zion Hostetter (junior), Josiah Bissaccia (sophomore), Liam Zwatty (sophomore), Noah Conner (senior), Ethan Bennett (senior), Nicholas Bissaccia (senior) and Gavin Birkett (senior) who all helped propel the offense throughout the season.

However the Warriors will need to find a replacement for standout goalie Conner Bennett who graduated. A goalie is always tough to replace, and Bennett is definitely a hard player to find a replacement for. There's a lot of talent back for Northumberland Christian, however. Teams who have to play the Warriors will know they have to game plan for a number of standout playmakers. Which is easier said than done.

SELINSGROVE

You can make the case that Selinsgrove has cemented itself as a powerhouse in Class AAA this decade. The Seals have won a district title every year since 2020 except for 2021, and that year they still reached the District 4 Class AAA championship game.

The Seals have built themselves into contenders since 2020, when they won the program's first championship since 2007.

And, safe to say, Selinsgrove isn't showing any signs of slowing down and wants to continue being on top of the mountain.

Prior to a 3-1 first-round state tournament loss to Dallas, the Seals allowed just one goal in their previous three games, including two shutouts in the postseason against Jersey Shore (4-0) and Athens (2-0).

Part of that defense was sparked

by Jace Diehl, a HAC-I first-team defender who graduated. Selinsgrove also lost Damien Pardoe, a HAC-I first-team forward who was outstanding offensively. Pardoe was the team's leading scorer with 16 and was extremely tough to slow down and contain. Pardoe often found himself in opposing team's thirds and was taking shot after shot at the goal.

Another player who graduated was Wyatt Kobel (HAC-I honorable mention defender).

The Seals do have a lot returning though. That includes HAC-I second-team midfielder Bobby Kruskie and HAC-I third-team defender Gabe Heimbach. Another big part of the team bag is goalie Xander Goudreau, who enters his senior season after earning HAC-I thirdteam honors in goal.

He recorded an impressive 165 saves last year, averaging 7.9 per game, as he kept Selinsgrove in every single game they played. He recorded four shutouts as he won nine games between the pipes and logged 1,576 minutes.

Offensively, Jace Diehl (four goals) and Elliot Martone (three goals) also graduated, meaning the Seals lost the majority of their scor-

ing offense. But there's numerous players back who saw time last year including Kruskie, Quinn Hunt, Jaren Diehl, Ryan Toskey and Kadin Horst who can help spark the offense.

Selinsgrove will be a contender yet again in Class AAA this year, and if Selinsgrove's returning players have anything to say about it, they're going to want to hoist the District 4 championship trophy for a fourth consecutive season.

SHAMOKIN

Shamokin won just five games last year. And, while that's far from ideal, last year was progress and steps in the right direction. Those five wins were more than the previous two seasons combined and it looks like the Indians are starting to turn the corner to get back to winning ways.

The Indians haven't seen the postseason since 2012, and there's no doubt its players want to snap that streak. Turnarounds take time though, but Shamokin's players who return from last year will be eager to build off the 2024 season's successes.

One big boost for the Indians is that returning scorer Colin Steinhart returns. Steinhart was a sophomore last year and led the Indians with 14 goals scored, averaging 0.8 per game. He was also the only Shamokin player last year to earn HAC-II second-team honors, doing so as a

forward.

JT Hall graduated, however, a player who accounted for eight goals and two assists. He was a HAC-II third-team all-star selection.

Also lost to graduation is Shamokin defender Kiegan Boughner, a HAC-II honorable mention all-star selection at defense.

While that is tough to replace on the back line, Shamokin does bring back its standout goalie in Rhyan Henz, who was named a HAC-II third-team goalie as a junior last fall. Henz played all 18 games for the Indians and had an outstanding 234 saves — 13 per game — as he did absolutely everything possible to ensure scores didn't get out of hand.

Henz was more than battle tested, and that's not something you can coach. He learned first-hand in net against tough teams last year what it's like within District 4 and no doubt he's only gotten better throughout the offseason. Henz also recorded two shutouts last year and logged 1,420 minutes in goal.

Shamokin knows it will have to shore things up defensively this year if it wants to build off last year's five wins and increase that total.

Teams were able to fire 290 shots at Shamokin last year and scored 65 goals. If Shamokin's defense can tighten, it can flip some of those losses into wins.

SHIKELLAMY

Last year marked the fourth straight season where the Braves had eight or more wins and also its third consecutive season making the postseason. Prior to 2022, Shikellamy hadn't seen the postseason since 2015.

Shikellamy is glad to be consistently in the postseason, but each year the Braves have seen their season come to an unfortunate end in the District 4 Class AAA semifinals. And two of those three semifinal losses have been close, one-goal contests.

The Braves want to break through, and are hoping 2025 is the year they reach the District 4 championship game for the first time since 2007.

Shikellamy will need to have some players step up offensively though after losing three of its top four scorers, leaving some voids up top.

Cole Lynch (eight goals, eight assists), Dylan Naugle (five goals) and Conor Steese (four goals, six assists) are all gone from last fall.

Steese was a HAC-I first-team allstar at midfield, Lynch was a HAC-I second-team all-star at forward and Naugle earned HAC-I third-team honors at midfield.

It's tough to lose talented scorers, and even harder to replace three who were all league all-star selections. The team also graduated HAC-I first-team defender Max GOLDEN GOALS 2025 || 48 ||

Gross who helped secure the back line.

The Braves return only one player who garnered HAC all-star honors last year and that's Nate Allar, who did so as a goalie and was a junior. Allar recorded 115 saves last fall and let just 35 balls slip by him all year. He ended with five shutouts and played 19 games for 1,498 minutes.

Wrap all that together, and that's a ton of valuable experience that the Braves are thankful for with Allar returning.

Scoring wise though? The Braves do have Ryan DePhillips who played in all 19 games last year and scored five goals and dished out two assists. Not to mention the team also brings back Jesse Kearney who scored four goals and had three assists and Ramiro Holtzapple who scored twice as a freshman.

That group can help boost the offense this year after getting time on the field last year, and the Braves will look to them to help lead the team.

SOUTHERN COLUMBIA

Since 2010, the Tigers have only had one losing season, having it happen in 2022 with a 6-101 campaign. But every other season in that span, the Tigers have not only had winning seasons, but playoff success as well.

Last year was the latest example of that.

Southern Columbia went 11-9 and reached the District 4 Class A semifinals for a second consecutive season. And since 2020, Southern Columbia has reached the District 4 semifinals every year except for the 2022 season. That includes a district title game appearance in 2021 in a narrow 1-0 lost in the final to East Juniata.

Southern Columbia has been knocking on the door of getting a title and are hoping to get their first one since 2005.

There's plenty of pieces back from last year's 11-win season for Southern Columbia to vie for another playoff berth and deep run. That includes bringing back Ben Gehret who was a HAC-II firstteam midfielder last year as a junior and is back for the Tigers.

Another big piece back for the Tigers is goalie Ethan Reed, who was just a junior last fall and received HAC-II honorable mention all-star honors.

Reed played well in goal and in four of Southern Columbia's nine losses, Reed and the back line kept it within one goal. Reed gained experience and the Tigers will look toward him for leadership yet again this year.

Reed also posted six shutouts, doing so against Towanda (3-0), East Juniata (1-0), Mifflinburg (4-0), Warrior Run (1-0, 2 OT), Shamokin (6-0) and Montgomery (2-0).

The Tigers did graduate Joey Singley, however, who was a HAC-II second-team midfielder as a senior in 2024, and lost HAC-II third-team defender Xander Roadarmel.

In total, Southern Columbia only lost a handful of players from last year's roster, which means there's a lot of talent returning and a lot of players who know what it takes to get to the playoffs and compete with the district's best.

TOWANDA

The Black Knights haven't made the playoffs in awhile. Since 2010, Towanda has suffered quite a few losses, including having a string of four consecutive winless seasons from 2016-19.

But none of that past matters. All that matters is Towanda looking to continue to improve each year and get better, and that's what the Black Knights have been doing.

Last year was the closest Towanda has gotten to making the playoffs in quite some time, coming just one win shy of doing so after an 8-10 season. || 49 || GOLDEN GOALS 2025

PHOTO PROVIDED

Shikellamy's Adrian Carper chases after a ball during a game last fall against Williamsport.

Coming that close to the playoffs has the Black Knights motivated to finally break through and clinch a District 4 berth. Towanda lost a heartbreaker to Troy in the third-to-final game of the year, 1-0.

Towanda played well last year, and the team has a chance to improve upon last year.

Last year the Black Knights scored 30 goals.

And while some may say that's not that many, consider the fact that it was the most goals Towanda scored in a single-season since 2010.

That's a huge confidence boost for the players.

And defensively? The Black Knights gave up just 41 goals, the least amount of goals allowed since the mid-2010s.

Two years ago, Towanda allowed 59 goals.

Three years ago, it allowed 129. That 41-goal number is a good marker for the team to build

off going into 2025. Negativity and losing can be contagious, so the Black Knights are on the right track with turning things around and playing well and confidently.

Towanda did lose some talented players who will leave a void to fill. That includes a trio of Northern Tier League all-star selections.

Jack Wheaton was a first-team midfielder, Connor Barnes was a second-team defender and Owen Lane earned second-team honors as a defender as well.

Those three helped the program win the most games in a season since 2010 last year and helped get the program on the cusp of turning things around. Now it's up to the younger players and upper classmen to continue that success and get Towanda on the brink of a winning record.

TROY

Troy finished 2-16 last year and went 2-10, tied for the worst record in the Northern Tier alongside Galeton.

The Trojans' offense struggled last year, scoring just 14 goals through 18 games. And teams were able to routinely get into Troy's backfield and peppered the goal routinely en route to scoring 60 goals against the Trojans.

Troy has won just two or fewer games each of the last three seasons. It's been rough for the players and coaches, but the team continues going out and playing every game no matter what.

The wins may not be there, but there sure is a lot of dedication, compassion and heart on Troy's team.

But that doesn't mean the Trojans don't want to win. The team is motivated to improve in the win column and make a push toward its first .500-or-better season since going 9-9 since the 2018 season.

Troy isn't entering the season with its cupboards completely bare, however. Landon Jenkins earned Northern Tier League all-star honors last year as a second-team forward and returns for the Trojans for his senior season. He was also the lone Troy player to earn NTL honors last fall.

Troy will look to add onto its win total this year and boost its offense.

WILLIAMSON

Williamson's been having a lot of success the last few years. This past season was the fourth straight year the Warriors won eight or nine games, and the third straight season with a winning record.

The Warriors are hoping to take the next step though and break through in the playoffs. Each of those last three years saw Williamson receive an early exit as they lost immediately.

But after back-to-back 3-0 losses in the 2022 and 2023 playoffs, Williamson gave Loyalsock a tough game last year in the play-in round and lost narrowly, 2-1. That's progress for the Warriors showing they can compete in the district playoffs after the two straight three-goal losses.

That loss likely stung for Williamson's players, but the team is hoping to build off that and get back and look to win a postseason game.

Williamson had a lot of talent on its team last year. The Warriors had two first-team Northern Tier League all-star selections last year and four second-team selections. Aiden O'Neil was a first-team forward and Jordan Monroe garnered first-team defender honors.

On the second team, Williamson's four selections were the most of any NTL school. Hayden Plunkert (forward), Brady Colwell (forward), Liam Kies (midfield) and Logan Stickler (goalie) all received honors.

Stickler was a senior last year, leaving Williamson with a question mark in goal for who will step up to replace him after a solid campaign last year.

While O'Neil and Monroe, among others, graduated, the team does return Plunkert who helped spark the offense last year at forward.

Plunkert helps give a boost back for the team, but others will need to step up to help him and the team excel if the Warriors want to once again be in the playoffs and look to win a postseason game in 2025.

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GOLDEN GOALS 2025 || 50 ||

DISTRICT 4 GIRLS SOCCER BREAKDOWN

Plenty of strong teams will be competitive this year in girls soccer within the district once again, and no doubt the Wildcats will be a tough contender this season yet again.

BLOOMSBURG

Williamsport Sun-Gazette sports editor Jon Gerardi breaks down the District 4 landscape for girls soccer.

ATHENS

Athens will be motivated to get back to the District 4 Class AAA playoffs and prove they belong with the best in the district. Last year the Wildcats suffered a disappointing 5-0 loss in the semifinals to Shikellamy and finished the year 11-8 overall and 9-3 in the Northern Tier League, third in the division.

Give the Wildcats credit, Athens has been putting together numerous solid seasons in a row. In the team's last six seasons played, the Wildcats won at least eight games and had double-digit wins in 2018 (15-4), 2019 (15-3-2) and last year.

Athens' players know how to be successful and are looking to continue that trend into 2025, and the team has plenty returning who can keep that success up.

Among them is Delanie Patton, who as a sophomore last year garnered first-team Northern Tier League honors as a midfielder.

McKenna Jarvis returns for Athens as well, a solid player who helped solidify the defense and was named a first-team Northern Tier League defender last fall.

The team also has Elizabeth Denlinger back, a talented midfielder who can play offense or help from a defensive standpoint for the Wildcats. She was a first-team NTL all-star.

The Wildcats will have to replace Addy Wheeler, however, after she graduated. Wheeler was a first-team NTL midfielder. The team also graduated first-team defender Savannah Persun, who helped play solid on the back line.

Despite two tough losses in Wheeler and Persun, there are plenty of players back who can help Athens reach the District 4 playoffs || 51 || GOLDEN GOALS 2025

The Panthers have had a long string of success over the past few years and there's no reason to believe that 2025 won't be similar.

Last year was the eighth straight season the Panthers were playoff-bound and Bloomsburg has reached the postseason 10 of the last 11 seasons. Talk about consistency.

Last year Bloomsburg went 14-5 and lost a tough game to Warrior Run in the District 4 Class AA quarterfinals, 2-1. While that loss was tough for the Panthers, it's the eighth straight year the Panthers have reached at least the quarterfinals.

Bloomsburg is also just five years removed from winning a state championship in 2020 after going 23-1 that fall.

While Bloomsburg does have a lot back, which will be discussed shortly, the team does have a few holes to replace. Notably, the team graduated Teagan Serrano, the leading scorer last year with 17 goals. Bella Pistoia also graduated after an eight-goal performance.

Serrano was a HAC-II first-team forward last fall. The Panthers also lost HAC-II first-team midfielder Elainia Flick and HAC-II first-team defender Madeline Anderson. Gone is HAC-II second-team defender Camden Wasielewski as well. That means the team will need to address the back line to make sure it's solid once again.

Delaney Zentner is back after a solid freshman campaign which saw her score 15 goals and dish out four assists. Also back is Hannah Magill, who scored 10 goals last year with two assists.

Magill earned HAC-II second-team honors last fall.

Having that goal-scoring production back is a big boost for Bloomsburg.

The team brings back Ally Bang, a junior last year who earned honorable mention HAC-II all-star honors.

Expect Bloomsburg to once again be in the District 4 Class AA title picture.

CENTRAL COLUMBIA

The Blue Jays graduated one of the best senior classes in program history. Central Columbia's Class of 2025 went an outstanding 91-4 during four years, claimed four consecutive District 4 championships, won back-to-back state championships and reached the state tournament quarterfinals all four years.

That group of players left an unbelievable legacy with Central Columbia that the younger players on the team can look up to and strive to replicate.

Last year was also the third consecutive HAC-II league championship for the Blue Jays and fifth in six seasons.

Ava Klingerman, Haley Bull, Hanna Warenda and Molly Minnig made up that outstanding class, and they're the type of players you can't duplicate. You just hope you find a good replacement for them once they leave.

Central Columbia had a three-headed monster up top in terms of scoring led by Bull, who scored 32 goals and dished out 20 assists. Bull ended her career with 125 goals and 93 assists and came just shy of being just the second player in District 4 history with 100 goals and 100 assists (Chloe Tracy of Sayre). Bull also scored at least 30 goals each of her past three seasons.

Bull propelled the Blue Jays' offense en route to being an all-state player and HAC-I first-team forward, and her loss leaves a big hole up top.

Defensively, Central Columbia graduated Ava Klingerman, a HAC-I first-team defender who was solid all year and played a key role in Central Columbia's success.

While Bull and Klingerman are both gone, the offense won't be lacking at all. Central Columbia returns HAC-I first-team midfielder Joey Devlin (27 goals, 15 assists) and HAC-I first-team forward Quinlan Blake (26 goals, 16 assists).

Also back is Riley Constanza who had 14 assists last year and Reese Hons, a 10-assist player.

What's scary for opposing defenses in District 4 is that Devlin, Costanza and Hons were all just sophomores last year and Blake was a freshman, meaning those four

have only gotten better going into this fall.

The team also has two proven players in goal who were young last year in Braelyn Moran (sophomore) and HAC-I honorable mention all-star Abby Welkom (freshman).

Moran had 57 saves and allowed just eight through 10 games played and Welkom had 47 saves with seven goals allowed throughout her 22 games played.

Having two standout goalies like that gives Central Columbia plenty of options as to who will start and play throughout the year, and both proved they're standouts.

Central Columbia also has HAC-I first-team defender Lily Deitrick back, in addition to HAC-I second-team defender Maddy Hunsinger.

DANVILLE

The Ironmen had a rough season last year by going just 4-14. It was an unfortunate step backwards after going 11-7-1 in 2023 and making the postseason for the first time since 2018.

But, while the wins weren't there, the Ironmen were still motivated and hungry to win. Expect Danville to be eyeing to be back on the winning side of things. While the 4-14 record is disappointing, the Ironmen did have three losses that were decided by just one goal and flip those losses into three wins, and that record doesn't look as bad.

A key loss for Danville is Isabella Reedy, a HAC-I first-team defender last fall, in addition to Lauren Law who garnered HAC-I second-team honors as a forward, and Nora Meadows, a HAC-I honorable mention all-star.

The Ironmen's goal production wasn’t outstanding, but the team did have players who could strike. Notably was Law, leaving an offensive void this year after she led the team with eight goals scored. Maddy Willoughby is back, however, after she had three goals and three assists as is Lily Crumb, who had two goals as a freshman.

Willoughby and Crumb got valuable experience last year as a sophomore and freshman, respectively, and that will yield dividends on the field.

Another bonus for Danville is the

RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent

East Juniata’s Bri Brubaker, rear, and the Tigers fell to South in last year’s District 4 Class A playoffs.

East Juniata will look to build off last year’s playoff berth and get back to the postseason.

fact the Ironmen have back Maddy Harris in goal. As a sophomore in 2024, Harris played in 16 games and recorded 1,099 minutes in goal and had 182 saves, averaging an impressive 11.4 per game. Harris was tested game in and game out and constantly was having to make saves against teams. But while she saw more than 200 shots fired at her all year, that only made her get better as a keeper and will make her better entering her junior season.

EAST JUNIATA

The Tigers may not have put up double-digit wins, but the Tigers still were playoff bound last year and made some noise. After beating

Southern Columbia in the District 4 Class A quarterfinals, 4-0, the Tigers nearly upset South Williamsport in the semifinals after the Mounties escaped with a 1-0 win.

The Mounties went on to win a third consecutive District 4 championship and appeared in the state tournament, which showed that East Juniata has the ability to compete with talented teams in the district.

So don't let the 7-7-1 record fool you, East Juniata is a talented team.

The Tigers caught fire at the right time late in the season and from the beginning October on, East Juniata went 4-2-1 with both losses being 1-0 contests to Line Mountain and South Williamsport.

East Juniata will be without its leading scorer in Addy Feltman, who graduated after scoring seven goals and dishing out two assists. Without Feltman, the Tigers will need to look to others to step up and help produce offensively.

East Juniata will have keeper Landyn Cramer returning, a standout goalie who had 125 saves last year — second most in the Tri Valley League — and had a .912 save percentage as she helped East Juniata stay within games.

There are a few question marks for East Juniata entering the season as to who will step up offensively, but Cramer in goal helps solidify the defensive end.

LINE MOUNTAIN

Line Mountain saw success last year and there's little doubt the Eagles aren't motivated to once again get to the postseason and make a run.

Last year saw Line Mountain win the program's first Tri-Valley League title since 2005 and saw the team post back-to-back playoff appearances for the first time since a string of seven in a row from 2013-19.

The Eagles lost to Millville last year in the district quarterfinals, 3-0.

Line Mountain finished tied for first in the TVL East last year with a 10-1-1 record and went 14-6-1 overall. They were tied with Susquenita in the league and Line Mountain had GOLDEN GOALS 2025 || 52 ||

DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Millville/Benton’s Mya Kinney (9) and Flor Miguelez (12) compete against Hughesville during a game last year. The Quakers reached last year’s District 4 semifinals and are eager to get back. a solid defense with just 26 goals allowed, the best defense within the TVL East.

The Eagles had a pair of standout scorers last year who were both sophomores in Jenna Foulds (12 goals, four assists) and Kendall Bowman (10 goals, five assists). In addition, Line Mountain also brings back Cora Moyer, a sophomore last year who scored four goals and dished out four assists.

That offensive trio will be key in helping Line Mountain again this fall.

Also consider Line Mountain has Reagan Boyer (six assists) and Madylinn Grindstaff (five assists) back, and it's safe to say there's plenty of weapons up top who can spread the ball around and make defenses pay if they try to double team one player.

In goal, Line Mountain has Ceirra Zeigler back, a junior who had 47 saves last year and posted an .839 save percentage, third-best in the TVL East behind only Susquenita's Josie Van Why (.915) and East Juniata's Landyn Cramer (.912). || 53 || GOLDEN GOALS 2025

Line Mountain is having outstanding success these last two years. Line Mountain is 31-10-1 over the last two years after having just 17 wins between 2019-22. Being successful is where Line Mountain wants to continue to be each fall, and with the talent back and the experience they had last year, there's no reason to think the Eagles can't be in the District 4 Class A playoffs once again in 2025.

MEADOWBROOK CHRISTIAN

Meadowbrook Christian has established itself as an extremely consistent program for the better part of the last two decades. The Lions haven't had a losing season since going 5-9-3 in 2007 and since 2008, have never had less than 10 wins in a single season.

It's quite the streak for the small private school, and Meadowbrook Christian saw success last year as well with a 10-7-1 season in which the Lions went 5-1 in the Allegheny

Christian Athletic Association East.

Meadowbrook Christian qualified for districts and fell to Wyalusing, 8-0, in a District 4 Class A play-in game.

That loss left a sour taste in the players' mouths and no doubt the returning Lions are motivated to get back and show they can compete in the district playoffs again.

The Lions reached the 2023 District 4 Class A championship game and lost in the first round of the state tournament. That was also the only time in 2023 in which Meadowbrook Christian dropped back-to-back games (21-3).

The players on this year's team remember what that success felt like in 2023 and want to duplicate it.

Meadowbrook Christian had a solid offense last year, producing 52 goals and defensively, the team posted eight shutouts.

One thing that will be tough for Meadowbrook this year will be replacing the six seniors who graduated in midfielder/defender Macey Feick, midfielder/goalie Emma

George, midfielder/defender Haileyanne Kramer, midfielder Abby Schuler, striker/midfielder Bella Shupp and striker/midfielder Grace Skjodal.

Those six leave big holes to fill.

George and Schuler were Allegheny Christian Athletic Association Eastern all-stars two seasons ago and brought back a lot of talent and heart to the team this past season.

But the team does bring back a lot, including defenders Grace Ask and Melanie Eager and strikers Maddy Fasnacht and Sarah Hecker, in addition to many others. Fasnacht was also named Allegheny Christian Athletic Association Tournament MVP last fall.

Meadowbrook has the talent to make another deep playoff run.

Let's wait and see how the season plays out.

MIDD-WEST

Last year can be considered a hiccup for the Mustangs' girls soccer program. After 10 consecutive seasons reaching the District 4 playoffs, Midd-West went 5-12-1 last fall. It

was an unfortunate campaign and one the Mustangs more than want to forget about.

The good news for Midd-West is there's plenty of talent back to build off last year and get back to winning ways.

Midd-West is just two years removed from reaching the District 4 Class AA quarterfinals. That season in 2023 was also Midd-West's first playoff win since 2019.

Midd-West returns HAC-I second-team forward Emery Peters, second-team midfielder Ava Atkins and second-team defender Bella Knepp. The Mustangs also have Carly Faulhaber and Maci Tittle returning, both of whom were HAC-I honorable mention all-stars.

Tittle was a junior last year, Atkins, Knepp and Faulhaber all were sophomores and Peters was a freshman. That means that group not only got valuable experience last year while being younger, but only got better in the offseason and trained to help improve Midd-West.

Midd-West will need to improve its defense. Last year the Mustangs allowed 63 goals and know they have to play more solidly if they want to get back to districts.

Nearly all of Midd-West's offense is back. Peters led Midd-West as a freshman last year with eight goals and three assists. Addison Yerg scored six goals, Gracie Trawitz scored four, Knepp scored four with six assists and Ava Aitkins had a team-high nine assists with two goals.

Tittle played 15 games in goal last year as a junior for Midd-West and played 1,029 minutes. She had 87 saves and averaged 5.8 per game. Tittle played against some tough competition all season and, as they say, iron sharpens iron. Tittle knows what it takes to be a good goalie in the HAC and will look to be a brick wall in goal this year.

MIFFLINBURG

The Wildcats were just shy of reaching the District 4 playoffs last season and went 7-10. Mifflinburg suffered a 2-1 overtime loss to Midd-West in mid-October on the road and lost to Williamsport in overtime, 3-2, in late September.

Flip those two losses and the Wildcats have a winning record and are district bound. That's life in the HAC when it comes to high school soccer. The margin for error is often slim if one wants to qualify for the playoffs and unfortunately Mifflinburg found itself on the outside looking in last fall.

That came just a season after reaching the District 4 Class AAA semifinals for a fourth consecutive year. Mifflinburg wants to be playoff contenders every season.

The Wildcats aren't too far removed from an outstanding 20-2 season in 2021 in which Mifflinburg found itself in the state quarterfi-

nals. That also was the last time the Wildcats won a District 4 title. The players who remained from that team graduated last year, meaning this year's roster doesn't know what it's like to be the district's best, but the players are motivated to build a legacy of their own and reach the district mountain top.

The Wildcats have pieces to build off from last year. That includes Lyla Moyer, a HAC-I second-team defender. Mifflinburg's Sophi Stahl is also back, a HAC-I honorable mention all-star selection.

The Wildcats will have to replace Jayda Tilghman, however, a HAC-I second-team midfielder, in addition to Kylee Gessner, a HAC-I honorable mention all-star.

Will Mifflinburg be able to get back to districts and build off its successes last year? We'll have to wait and see until October, but rest assured the Wildcats have talent on their roster and will look to be a contender in the league.

MILLVILLE/BENTON

The Quakers had a solid season last year and reached the District 4 Class A semifinals and came just shy of reaching the final and qualifying for the state tournament.

Millville, which combined with Benton last year, lost to Muncy, 2-0, in the semifinals after beating Line Mountain, 3-0, in the quarterfinals.

Millville will look to build off that 12-8 season last year.

The bad news, however, is that Millville will need to replace an unbelievably talented forward in Larissa Evans. The Quaker had a remarkable 41 goals last year and dished out 14 assists. She averaged 2.3 goals per game and was a player that very few teams had an answer for to limit and keep out of scoring positions.

While Evans is a huge shoe to fill, the cupboard isn't bare. Millville brings back Brianna Kolk, a sophomore in 2024 who scored 19 goals and six assists, both second most on the team.

Millville also returns Callie Hess (four goals, four assists), Aubrey Koch (four goals, four assists) and Bree Hess (one goal, three assists).

Those players and Kolk will be looked upon to step up and try to replace the scoring prowess that Evans provided, which is easier said than done.

The Quakers also bring back a solid goalkeeper in Ayla Boyunegmez. The then-sophomore played 1,149 minutes in goal and recorded 149 saves while only allowing 19 balls to slip by her. She averaged 8.8 saves per game and was a key reason that Millville was able to make a run to the district semifinals last year.

Boyunegmez only got better in the offseason and will look to improve in her junior year.

MOUNT CARMEL

It was only four years ago in which Mount Carmel standout Mia Chapman scored 45 goals to surpass Nicole Varano's career record with goals scored with 112 and move up the leaderboard. That year the Red Tornadoes went 12-5-2 — 5-3 in the HAC-II — and earned a quarterfinal District 4 Class A playoff win against Line Mountain before falling to a tough Southern Columbia team in the semifinals, 7-2.

Since then, however? Nine wins in three years and a lot of losses the players wish they could erase.

It's been a rough three-year stretch since Chapman's graduation and Mount Carmel hopes those misfortunes will become history soon enough. Last year, Mount Carmel went 2-12-1, which while not ideal, is an uptick from a winless campaign the year prior.

Small progress is still progress and steps in the right direction.

The Red Tornadoes struggled offensively by scoring just six goals all season. And defensively, teams scored 101 goals against Mount Carmel. The Red Tornadoes know they have to strengthen their defense to compete in the league and know their offense needs a boost to put up more wins.

The players are no doubt eager to build off last year and earn more wins and make a push towards getting a winning season again.

Unfortunately for Mount Carmel, they'll have to replace two standouts in Abby Klokis and Ana Grace Renno. Both seniors last year were named to the HAC-II all-star team as honorable mention all-star selections.

NORTHEAST BRADFORD

Northeast Bradford has struggled in the 2020s putting up wins unfortunately. The Panthers went just 2-10-2 last year and were 2-7-2 in the Northern Tier League. Since the 2020 COVID-19 shortened season, the Panthers have yet to win more than six games in a season.

The players are motivated and eager, however.

Last year the Panthers scored just 12 goals and allowed 43. And what stung for the players was how the season wrapped up. After going 2-5-2, an unfortunate fivegame losing skid closed the year as Northeast Bradford dropped games against Warrior Run (4-0), Wyalusing (3-1), Troy (3-0), Sullivan County (4-2) and Towanda (6-1).

The final four games were all on the road as well.

It was a tough five-game skid to close the year and halted any momentum Northeast Bradford had built after tying Wellsboro in a scoreless double-overtime game on Sept.

24 and beating North Penn-Mans-

field in a close game, 3-2.

Northeast Bradford can only go up from last year's two-win season, and the Panthers no doubt are looking to string wins together this fall and build some momentum and, more importantly, confidence.

NORTHUMBERLAND CHRISTIAN

Northumberland Christian didn't have the greatest season last year, going 8-10-2 and 4-4 in the Allegheny Christian Athletic Association, third in the Eastern Division behind Columbia County Christian (7-1) and Meadowbrook Christian (7-1).

The team failed to make the Allegheny Christian Athletic Association playoffs for a third consecutive season as well after winning the league championship with an undefeated record in 2021. That 2021 season also saw Northumberland Christian reach the District 4 Class A playoffs, losing to East Juniata, 3-2.

No players remain from that 2021 team, meaning no current player knows what it's like to experience the postseason in the Allegheny Christian Athletic Association and/or District 4. The younger players want to build a mark for themselves and reach that next level and get Northumberland Christian back to winning ways like when the program won 15 or more games every season between 2003-21.

Needless to say, Northumberland Christian's players are hoping these past three years are just hiccups and the team will get back to double-digit wins year after year soon enough.

The good news is that Northumberland Christian only graduated two players and bring back a lot with valuable experience. The team also had seven players last year who were either freshmen or sophomores.

SELINSGROVE

Selinsgrove has a long history of winning and being successful. The Seals have yet to experience what a losing season is like this century.

In fact, Selinsgrove's last losing record came in 1996 when the program had a 2-16-1 year.

Ever since then, it's been double digit wins, 20-win seasons and lots and lots of District 4 playoff appearances.

Last year was more of the same.

The Seals were 15-5 last season and finished 7-2 in the HAC-I en route to beating Milton in a thriller, 2-1, in overtime in the District 4 Class AAA semifinals before falling to Shikellamy, 3-1.

That district championship loss was tough for Selinsgrove's seniors last year as that group experienced four consecutive years of heartbreaking losses in the district finals, GOLDEN GOALS 2025 || 54 ||

LARRY DEKLINSKI/ Special to the Sun-Gazette

Shamokin is hoping to build upon its win total this year to reach the District 4 playoffs.

three straight to rival Shikellamy.

While that senior class had success with four consecutive district final appearances, that gold medal eluded that group of players as they were a year removed from the team's 2020 championship squad.

Selinsgrove will have to replace Gianna Gamble, HAC-I first-team midfielder who was a 14-goal, nine-assist standout last year.

While that leaves a hole to fill, the good news is that Selinsgrove had a lot of playmakers last year who are back.

That includes Madison Merrell, who led the team in goals scored with 17 last year, and added five assists. The team also has Lissa Kruskie (eight goals, five assists), Karsen Dodge (five goals, eight assists), Reagn Moll (four goals, three assists), Courtney Smith (four goals, one assist) and Quinn Smith (two goals, three assists) all back.

That's a lot of fire power returning.

Merrell was a HAC-I first-team midfielder and Kruskie was a HAC-I second-team forward.

Defensively, Selinsgrove has Emily Aument, a HAC-I first-team defender, returning in addition to goalie Elizabeth Varner, who garnered HAC-I first-team honors in goal as a sophomore. Varner recorded 107 saves and averaged 5.6 per game while also posting six shutouts.

SHAMOKIN

The Indians are coming off a 5-11-2 season and are looking to break through and once again make the playoffs. Shamokin's last postseason appearance came in 2021 when the Indians went 12-7-1 and fell to Montoursville in the District 4 Class AA quarterfinals.

That means no players on this year's team have reached the postseason, but those players || 55 || GOLDEN GOALS 2025

without question want this to be the year they qualify and try to make a run.

The Indians know they will need to boost their defense this year after allowing 63 goals last fall.

But the team has pieces in place in the midfield and defense.

That includes Ava Hughes, a HAC-I first-team goalie last year as a junior.

Shamokin also has Ameera Williams returning, a HAC-I second-team forward, and Taylor Stoshack, a freshman who garnered honorable mention all-star honors last fall.

Shamokin did graduate three standouts, two of which were on the back line in Nadia Williams and Gabby Rapp. That duo earned HAC-I second-team honors as defenders. Susie Kurtz also was a HAC-I honorable mention all-star.

Hughes was tested all year in goal last season.

She played in 16 games and was in goal for all but 80 minutes throughout the year. She recorded 222 saves and averaged an impressive 13.9 per game. Hughes did everything she could to keep the Indians in games and had two shutouts as well.

Offensively, Shamokin will look to Ameera Williams to lead the team. She was second on the team in scoring last year with seven goals and had an assist. The only player who scored more than her in a purple and white uniform was Nadia Williams (eight), who graduated.

SHIKELLAMY

The Braves have been nothing shy of outstanding the last three years. Shikellamy has captured three consecutive District 4 Class AAA championships after beating Selinsgrove last year, 3-1.

And needless to say the seniors on Shikellamy's team will want to make it 4 for 4 when they hang up their cleats for the final time. It's far from

easy to claim four straight district titles as a player, but the Braves' seniors have the talent to attempt to do just that.

Alexandra Updegrove, Maggie Benner, Jillian Deivert, Sarah Long, Lily Persing and Lily Fatool all enter their senior years for Shikellamy with the hopes of winning a fourth straight gold medal and cementing their names in Shikellamy history as the most successful senior class to ever play in a Braves uniform.

The bad news for opposing teams in the Heartland Athletic Conference is that Deivert is back for one more season after she put up ridiculous numbers last year. The Brave as a junior scored an astounding 53 goals — averaging 2.4 per game — and was a player no defenses could neutralize as she was named all-state this past season at forward.

In addition, Lauryn Ross scored 24 goals with a team-high 22 assists and Alyssa Williams had 12 goals and seven assists.

In total, the Braves return their entire offense.

In addition to Deivert, Ross and Williams, Shikellamy also has Kaci Grimm (nine goals, nine assists), Caitlin Kearney (nine goals, three assists), Benner (seven goals, 15 assists) and Persing (five goals, 19 assists) all back.

Mix all that together, and it means defenders are going to have their hands full slowing down a potent Braves offense that can seemingly score whenever they get into a team's defensive third.

Deivert, Williams, Persing and Ross were all named HAC-I first team all-stars, as was defender Emma Koontz (senior).

Shikellamy is easily the favorite in Class AAA to win the District 4 championship, and most likely its seniors know they have a target on their backs.

But the question will be, can any team slow down the Braves when districts roll around?

SOUTHERN COLUMBIA

After missing the playoffs in 2023 for the first time since 2007, Southern Columbia shook it off and bounced back with an 11-win season last year and another playoff appearance. While the Tigers lost in the District 4 Class A quarterfinals to East Juniata, 4-0, Southern Columbia showed everyone that a six-win campaign in 2023 was nothing more than a hiccup.

The Tigers are known for winning, and 2024 showed they're back to prove that.

Southern Columbia has been among the district's most successful teams since the early 2010s. The team has claimed three District 4 titles since 2018 and in that span also claimed three consecutive state championships — and four in five years. It's a resume that's tough to beat.

Kailee Helwig burst onto the scene as a freshman last year and made an immediate impact for Southern Columbia. The freshman scored 14 goals and had 10 assists, both leading the team.

It helped her earn HAC-II first-team honors at forward as she was one of a number of Tigers to garner league all-star nods.

Kennadie Reamer, a junior last fall, was a HAC-II first-team midfielder, senior Noelle Davis was named a HAC-II first-team defender, freshman Macie Swank earned HAC-II second-team forward honors and Rosie Martino, a freshman, was a HAC-II first-team goalie. Martino recorded 67 saves last year, averaging 3.7 per game, and was in goal for three shutouts.

Harper Thompson and Minna Shingara, both juniors, received honorable mention honors.

Those freshmen earning league honors and excelling throughout the season is great for Southern Columbia knowing they have younger players that can help build the team these next few seasons.

TOWANDA

The Black Knights just missed out on reaching the playoffs last year after finishing 7-10 and going 5-7 within the Northern Tier. It comes just a year after the Black Knights snuck into the playoffs before losing to a strong Hughesville team, 5-2.

But the players want to erase last year and get back to the postseason and hopefully make a run. The tough part for Towanda is knowing they had three games that were within two goals and suffered a tough 1-0 loss at Wyalusing in the fourth game of the year. If Towanda reverses those misfortunes in those games, it would have been playoff bound.

But the team isn't focused on the what ifs of last season. They're looking at the schedule at hand and hoping to make the most of it.

The toughest thing for Towanda will be replacing an outstanding player in Anna Dunn, a senior last year who had an impressive 25 goals scored, accounting for nearly 76% of the team's offensive production. Replacing a player like that is far from easy. Dunn was named the Northern Tier League Offensive Player of the Year last fall and was a first-team NTL forward.

The Black Knights do have Clara Glantz returning, however, a second-team Northern Tier League all-star forward last year who scored seven goals and three assists. The now-senior will be looked upon to lead the offense and help try to

replace what Dunn's absence leaves. Towanda also has back Mellony Tuttle, who was a sophomore last year who played in all 17 games and had valuable varsity experience.

Mya Maynard will be another key player returning for Towanda. The now-junior was the team's starting keeper last year and recorded 161 saves, averaging 9.5 per game. She was tested often against the NTL's best teams and she knows what it takes for Towanda to be successful in the league. Expect Maynard to have gotten better this year in goal and look to help keep Towanda competitive game in and game out.

TROY

Troy proved to be an extremely tough team to beat last year. The Trojans went 17-2 and captured the Northern Tier League title with an unblemished 12-0 record.

Troy had an offense that could score at will it seemed, putting up 73 goals total. And defensively, the Trojans were just as solid by allowing just 10 goals all year. Teams had to make their shots against Troy count, which was easier said than done.

Of the 10 goals allowed, four game in the District 4 Class AA playoffs against an extremely talented Hughesville team, which beat the Trojans, 4-0. That loss left a bad taste in Troy's mouth and the Trojans are eager to get back and prove they can make a run.

Troy's lone regular-season loss came against South Williamsport, the eventual District 4 Class A champions, in late August by a 2-1 margin.

Troy's regular season last year had some key wins from outside of the NTL, including beating an always solid Montoursville program, 1-0, and beating the eventual District 4 Class A runners-up in Muncy (3-0).

The team brings back Alexis McRoberts, a talented player who was named the NTL Player of the Year last fall, but did lose NTL Defensive Player of the Year Maddi Palmer.

That loss of Palmer stings for Troy, but the cupboard isn't bare for a team coming off a 17win campaign.

Saydi Renzo was named an NTL first-team forward last year and is back to help spark the offense and lead the goal production, as is Giani Renzi up top.

Troy will have to find a new standout keeper, however, as Maddy Seeley graduated. A goalie is never an easy position to replace, especially one who was as solid as Seeley all year long.

NTL second-team all-stars Kylie Roy (midfield) and Jaylee Ward (defender) both return as well for Troy and will look to help keep the Trojans competitive.

WILLIAMSON

Williamson continued its postseason success by extending its run to four consecutive District 4 playoff appearances last year. The Warriors played well throughout last year and only gave up 18 goals all season long.

Williamson had a rough start to the year in 2024, opening the season 2-4. But the Warriors stayed focused, stayed hungry and never hung their heads. From there, the team rattled off a 7-2 record to close the season. Not a bad turnaround and difference between halves.

The regular-season ended with just a 1-0 loss to the eventual District 4 Class AA runners-up in Hughesville, a very talented team with a strong defense. While Williamson fell in that regular-season finale, consider that a huge confidence booster for the team entering this year having hung with the district runners-up in a 1-0 game.

The Warriors fell to NTL power Troy in the first round of the District 4 Class AA playoffs last year.

The Warriors return one Northern Tier League all-star selection from last year in Liv Morgan, a NTL second-team defender.

Maddie Bailey, an NTL first-team forward, graduated and leaves an offensive hole for the Warriors to replace. Also gone is NTL firstteam defender Mariah Buck, NTL second-team forwards Anna Lee and Zeraya Wilson, NTL second-team midfielder Ella Churchill, NTL second-team defender Jade Colwell and NTL second-team goalie Ashley Woodring.

Those seniors last year were instrumental in getting Williamson to where it is. In their freshman season in 2021, Williamson reached the playoffs for just the second time in program history. That group would go on to appear in three consecutive postseasons, setting the bar high for what future Williamson teams will strive for.

The seniors set the bar, and this next group of players will look to continue that success.

Have a Great Season!

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LYCOMING COLLEGE WOMEN

RALPH WILSON/Special to the Sun-Gazette

Lycoming senior Claudia Green, a South Williamsport graduate, competes during a game against Elmira last season.

Warriors motivated to be back in playoffs

By JON GERARDI

jgerardi@sungazette.com

L

ycoming had a great 2024 fall campaign as the Warriors went 15-3-3 with a 6-1-2 record in the Landmark Conference and showed they had the talent to score goals and play well from a defensive perspective.

Credit coach Kenny Fern for having the team focused on playing well week in and week out, and it showed throughout the season.

After a narrow 2-1 win over Moravian last year in the Landmark Conference playoffs, the Warriors fell to No. || 57 || GOLDEN GOALS 2025

1-seded Scranton on the road, 3-0. That loss was tough for the Warriors to experience and Lycoming is hoping to get back to the league tournament and, more importantly, win a title.

Lycoming brings back a lot of starpower from last year’s 15-win team. That includes leading scorers Mikayla Long — a Lewisburg graduate — and Ella Magee, both of whom scored nine goals. Aubrey Williamson also returns after scoring six goals and dishing out a team-high nine assists.

Lycoming has the benefit of returning goalie Riley Block as well, who played in 17 goals and started 13 last fall. She came up with 89 saves and had an .881 save percentage

while going 11-2-2 in the net.

Another key piece back is South Williamsport graduate Claudia Green, a solid defensive player who brings plenty of experience and talent.

Lycoming didn’t lose a ton of players, but there are still some holes that will be left to fill.

That includes Jersey Shore graduate Madison Maihle, a defender for Lycoming, and midfielder Sydney Sellers. The team is also without defender Haley Scahfer, midfielder Taylor Chrisenberry, defender Emily Shultz and senior goalie Abbey Gerasimoff.

Losing a handful of defensive players is always tough, but expect Fern and his staff

to have answers for those positions and have a strengthened defensive unit once again this fall.

Lycoming out-scored its opponents last year, 41-23, and if Lycoming continues to play well from both the offensive and defensve ends, there’s no question the Warriors can once again reach the Landmark Conference championship playoffs.

Fern is a tremendous coach and gets the most out of his team and players. The Warriors will be motivated to avenge last year’s rough loss to Scranton once the postseason rolls around.

LYCOMING COLLEGE MEN

Lycoming men look to get back to the postseason

By JON GERARDI

T

jgerardi@sungazette.com

he 2024 season marked the third straight year the Lycoming men’s soccer team saw a 10-win season. And while that streak is nice, last year’s end of the season was tough for the Warriors.

In the Landmark Conference Championships on the road, Lycoming tied No. 4 Scranton, 1-1, through two overtime periods and went to a shoot out where the Royals won in penalty kicks, 4-2.

It’s a tough way to end a season, especially in the playoffs, but Lycoming is hoping to get back and make another run with coach John Schwien, who was in his first season at the helm last fall.

The Warriors have back leading scorer Christian Woobay, who had 10 goals last year and had a teamhigh six assists as well. He also led the team in shots on goal with 30 and was routinely in opposing team’s sides of the field looking to strike and score.

Woobay ended the year with four consecutive games with a goal, including against Scranton in the playoffs, and only five teams all year held him without a goal or assist in a game. That speaks to the talent Woobay has when he’s on the field and not allowing teams to totally isolate him.

Aidan Stillman returns after scoring four goals and three assists last year as does Keller Chamovitz, who scored three goals and had one assist.

Last year Lycoming had a freshman in goal in Jace Bennett and he stepped up, recording 58 saves with a .773 save percetange, starting all 20 games and posting eight shutouts. Bennett and Lycoming’s defense faced some tough teams, so that experience is only beneficial for Bennett and will give him a ton of confidence as he enters his sophomore season this fall.

The Warriors graduated Kenny Clapp on the back line as well as midfielder Joe Bamfo, midfielder Jaeden Asare, defender Christian Barnes and midfielder Owen Magee, a Selinsgrove graduate. That leaves some question marks, especially on the defensive end, for this upcoming season.

Going 10-5-5 with a playoff appearance and taking a team into a shootout in the Landmark Conference Championships was a great start for Schwien in his first year with Lycoming. The players know what it takes to get to the postseason and Schwien knows the type of competition they’ll face when they get there against RALPH WILSON/Special to the Sun-Gazette tough teams within the Landmark Conference.

Lycoming senior Owen Magee, a Selinsgrove graduate, competes durThe team has plenty of talent to get back and make ing a game last fall for the Warriors. another run this fall.

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PENN COLLEGE WOMEN

Penn College’s Megan Kurian chases down a ball against Saint Vincent during a game last fall.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Standout Kurian returns for PCT women

By JON GERARDI

jgerardi@sungazette.com

Y

ou couldn’t have asked for a much better season that the one Penn College’s women’s soccer program put together in 2024. The Wildcats went 15-1-4, were unbeaten in the United East and reached the United East semifinals.

Not a bad season at all, but one that left Penn College feeling like it had some unfinished business despite that success.

A 15-1-4 record is nice, but that lone loss came in the United East semifinals to St. Mary’s College, 2-0. The players who are back not only want || 59 || GOLDEN GOALS 2025

to get back, but get past the semifinals and hoist a United East championship trophy.

As a freshman, Megan Kurian led Penn College’s offense with a monster season, scoring 26 goals and adding 15 assists as she fired 59 shots on goal throughout the year. Teams didn’t have an answer for how to slow Kurian down as she routinely found herself with the ball all year long in either positions to score or positions to help her teammates find the back of the net. Doing so as a freshman is only beneficial as well, giving Kurian a ton of confidence knowing she can play with some of the United East’s best defenders in college.

South Williamsport graduate Oliiva Casella is back for the Wildcats as well and she helped provide a boost offensively as she had nine goals and seven assists with 26 shots on goal recorded.

The Wildcats will have to look to replace standout scoring threat Cassie Johnson who graduated after a 14-goal, 15-assist campaign last year which saw her also fire 49 shots on goal. Her goals and shots on goal were second-best on the team behind only Kurian, and her assists tied Kurian as well.

That means others will have to step up to fill the void left by Johnson’s departure.

The Wildcats also will turn

to life without goalie Nicole Lichtinger between the pipes.

The Erie native allowed just six goals against all season and was a wall behind the back line. That type of talented goalie is never easy to replace, and it’ll be a huge question mark heading into the fall as to who will be able to replace that production at goal.

While there are some tough losses for Penn College, notably in goal, the Wildcats bring back a ton of offensive firepower that can help power the team again to another successful season. Time will tell if the Wildcats can make it to the United East championship game, but the team definitely has the pieces to do so.

PENN COLLEGE MEN

PCT men have graduation losses to fill

By JON GERARDI

jgerardi@sungazette.com

I

t’s been a slow, but without question gratifying climb the last few years for the Penn College men’s soccer team. And a huge reason for that is coach Tyler Mensch. The former Muncy standout has kept the program focused on an upward trajectory.

In 2019, the Wildcats went 3-13-3. After the COVID-19 pandemic canceled the 2020 season, the Wildcats went 4-114 in 2021.

Then came a 5-10-3 campaign in 2022. In 2023, the Wildcats went 7-7-3.

It was slow but sure progress upwards and last year, it paid off. Penn College went 11-5-3 in 2024 and reached the United East quarterfinals.

Those 11 wins were the most in a single-season under Mensch as well and also Penn College’s first home playoff game and win in the Division III-era.

In other words, last year was a huge success for Penn College.

Scott Goldfeder burst onto the scene last year as a freshman and made a huge impact with the Wildcats. He played in 18 games and started in 17 as he scored four goals — tied for second-most on the team — dished out two assists and recorded 10 shots on goal, fourth-most on the team.

Jimmy Friedman was a sophomore last year and played in 16 games and started in six and was a solid player and helped boost the offense. He had four goals last year and was third on the team in shots on goal fired with 11. Friedman and Goldfeder will no doubt form a solid 1-2 combination up top to replace a handful of graduation losses.

The Wildcats lost Tommy DeGeyter to graduation after he was a first-team United East all-star and was only the third Penn College player in program history to earn

PHOTO PROVIDED

Penn College’s Tommy DeGeyter passes the ball to a teammate during a game in 2024. DeGeyter graduated, meaning the Wildcats have to replace an outstanding scorer and offensive weapon this fall three or more all-conference rman played 15 games in goal There’s definitely key losses honors. He was also a United for Penn College last year and as noted that Penn College has Soccer Coaches All-Region started 14. He went 10-4-1 to replace and look to fill, and IV second-team selection last with 52 saves and an .800 save Catherman in goal is a hard year, the program’s first, and percentage. It’s never easy to one as talented goalies are was Scholar All-America third replace a goalie, and Cathepretty tough to come by. But team. DeGeyter led Penn Colrman was talented between the there’s more than a lot of talent lege last year as well in goals pipes. on the roster for Penn College scored (six), assists (six) and Penn College also will need to continue to compete in the points (18). His 14 shots on goal to replace goal scorers Austin postseason. last year were second-most on and Logan Stapleton. The Mensch coached the Wildthe team.

Chambersburg natives both cats to an outstanding 2024 Also gone is standout keeper scored four goals and both had season and there’s no doubt the Cole Catherman, a former two assists last year for the team wants to stay competitive Selinsgrove standout. CatheWildcats. like this year as well.

GOLDEN GOALS 2025 || 60 ||

LOCK HAVEN WOMEN

LHU showed competitiveness late in year

By JON GERARDI

F

KYLEIGH MONAHAN/Special to the Sun-Gazette

Lock Haven goalie Megan Miller kicks away a ball during a game last fall. || 61 || GOLDEN GOALS 2025

jgerardi@sungazette.com

rom a win standpoint, last year was far from what the Bald Eagles were hoping for. Lock Haven went a disappointing 3-11-4 and 3-11-2 in the PSAC. The good news for Lock Haven though is that it was competitive down the stretch. Against No. 16th-ranked Shepherd on the road, Lock Haven fell by just a goal, 1-0. That was followed with a double overtime scoreless draw against rival Bloomsburg on the road and then a 1-0 win against Millersville in the Bald Eagles’ season finale.

What does that mean? That Lock Haven can compete with teams and the Bald Eagles hope that three-game stretch to close out the year helps give Lock Haven some momentum in 2025.

Lock Haven brings back Elizabeth Shultz, a former Williamsport standout who scored a goal and had an assist last year. The former Millionaire was fourth on the team in shots on goal with five fired. Shultz got valuable experience last year for the Bald Eagles and played in 17 games and started in sixth. That experience as a freshman last year will help pay dividends moving forward.

Lock Haven also has South Williamsport graduate Aleigha Rieppel, a former Sun-Gazette Player of the Year, on the roster. Rieppel played and started in all 18 games last year as a sophomore and had a goal scored and fired four shots on goal all season.

Both those former Lycoming County standouts will be relied on again to help Lock Haven excel.

The Bald Eagles have Megan Miller returning for her senior year in goal. Last year Miller recorded 102 saves and had a .791 save percentage. Miller brings experience that’s tough to replace and will be relied on to keep Lock Haven in games once again.

The Bald Eagles will be without two standouts in Evelyn Ciaccia and Eva Stoessel, both of whom were graduate students last season. Ciaccia had a team-high four assists last year while Stoessel scored two goals. That duo also were among the top on the team in shots on goal with Ciaccia having a team-best 11 and Stoessel firing seven, third-most behind only Sydney Tahl’s eight.

With those two gone, Lock Haven’s offense will need players to step up and fill that void.

Lock Haven’s Achilles’ heel last fall was its goal production. The Bald Eagles were held to just seven goals all season and the team knows if it wants to have a winning season, goal production is something that will need to increase.

In addition, the Bald Eagles’ defense will need to play solid after giving up 28 goals last year, averaging 1.56 per game.

LOCK HAVEN MEN

Bald Eagles using last year as motivation

By JON GERARDI jgerardi@sungazette.com

T

COLLIN JONES/Special to the Sun-Gazette

Lock Haven’s Connor Swope takes a corner kick during a game last fall.

he Bald Eagles just missed out on making the PSAC postseason last year as Lock Haven finished the year with a .500 record thanks to an 8-8-1 mark and went 5-5 within the PSAC. Lock Haven’s returning players may have pondered what if throughout the offseason though.

After sitting at 8-4-1 with a playoff appearance looking all but assured, Lock Haven had an unfortunate four-game skid to close the year to drop to .500 and miss out on a postseason run.

That four-game losing streak likely has provided Lock Haven’s returners motivation and fuel throughout the offseason to not allow it to happen again and attempt to qualify this year for the PSAC tournament.

Carter Rosno was a freshman last year, but made an instant impact for the Bald Eagles’ offense. Rosno played in 16 games last year and scored four goals, second most on the team, while adding an assist. He also had 13 shots on goal, tied for the most on the team with teammate Connor Swope. Rosno was a solid player as a freshman and he only has gotten better and will no doubt be looked at to lead Lock Haven’s offense this year.

Kade Black is back for Lock Haven after a three-goal, one-assist sophomore season in which he played in 17 games.

Lock Haven returns Billy Lawrence and Matt Laudenslager, a freshman and sophomore last year, respectively. Lawrence had three goals scored and an assist while Laudenslager scored two goals and dished out two assists.

Those younger freshmen and sophomores last year will be looked to lead the team this season.

Speaking of younger players, last year Ethan Beck got the start in goal for 11 games as a freshman and proved he was college ready to compete.

He recorded 46 saves with a .697 save percentage and went 6-6.

Lock Haven will have to get used to life without Connor Swope on the roster. Swope graduated after an outstanding senior season in which he led the Bald Eagles in goals scored (six), assists (eight) and tied for the team-high in shots on goal with 13, tied with Rosno.

Swope was a huge piece of Lock Haven’s success from an offensive standpoint, and was valuable up top in opening the offense.

Lock Haven had a lot of freshmen and sophomores who made huge impacts last year, and that’s a great sign for coach Patrick Long and his staff at Lock Haven. Those younger players have only improved going into the 2025 campaign, and they’ll look to make Lock Haven a playoff contender this fall.

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BUCKNELL WOMEN

PHOTO PROVIDED

Bucknell players celebrate after a goal last year. The Bison advanced to the Patriot League championship game, falling to Boston University in penalty kicks, 8-7.

Bison want to get shot at PL title yet again

By JON GERARDI

jgerardi@sungazette.com

B

ucknell put together one outstanding season last fall. After blanking Loyola in the Patriot League semifinals, the Bison took Boston University through two overtime periods and tied, 1-1, forcing a dramatic shootout for the title.

The Bison were on the losing side in a thrilling penalty kick finish, 8-7, but no doubt coming that shy of a Patriot League title has Bucknell’s players motivated to get back and try to capture gold this fall.

And the Bison have plenty back from last year’s 12-4-3 (7-2 PL) team to do just that.

British Columbia’s Katie Connell made a huge impact as a freshman for Bucknell last year and showed she was Patriot League ready from the beginning of the season.

The forward/midfielder scored five goals for Bucknell and had three assists, both of || 63 || GOLDEN GOALS 2025

which were second-best marks for the team.

Even more impressive is that she fired just eight shots on goal all year, putting five of them in the back of the net.

That’s the type of production that any player would want. She played in all 19 games for Bucknell as well and started in 17.

In goal, the Bison are grateful to have back Jess Benattar, a junior last year who started in 16 games. She recorded 44 saves with a .863 save percentage and went 11-22. Having Benattar back in goal gives the Bison a boost defensively and confidence for the returners on the back line knowing she will keep Bucknell in every game they play.

One of the biggest losses for Bucknell is Teresa Deda, a senior last year who led the team in both goals scored (10) and assists (nine) while she fired an impressive 39 shots on goal, more than 20 ahead of the next player on the roster. Teams knew Deda was a threat any time she got into position,

and more times than not she was able to either find the back of the net, or dish a ball to a player to finish.

The Bison also will look to replace Reese Evans, a senior last year who started 16 games and appeared in 19 as she had three goals and three assists. She was also second on the team with shots on goal with 18, meaning the top two shot takers are gone from last year’s team.

Losing two standout scorers is tough, but that’s life in a Division I program with players coming and graduating. Bucknell will look to blend its returners in with a group of nine signees over the offseason from New York, New Jersey, Illinois and Massachusetts.

Coach Kelly Cook has been successful leading the Bison as she has a winning record entering this year. Expect her to keep the Bison competitive yet again.

BUCKNELL MEN PHOTO PROVIDED

Bucknell’s men’s soccer team celebrates after winning the Patriot League championship last fall. The Bison are eyeing a repeat title in 2025.

Bucknell men eyeing another championship

By JON GERARDI

jgerardi@sungazette.com

S

ome may glance at Bucknell’s reocrd from last year and assume the Bison didn’t have the best season. But records are often deceiving, and that’s the case for the Bison.

Yes, Bucknell finished the year 7-7-6, but what that record doesn’t show is the grit late in the season to ensure a Patriot League appearance and ­— more importantly — a title.

Bucknell won last year’s Patriot League championship with a win against Colgate, 3-0, before losing in the first round of the NCAA Tournament to Providence, 2-1. But the Bison want to build off last year’s title and possibly make a repeat run in 2025.

The good news for Bucknell is that the Bison return a lot of goal scorers from last year.

The top four scorers from last year are all back in Jack Lucas, Drew Roskos, Ben Sheffield and Zane Domsohn.

Lucas scored three goals last year — tied with Roskos for most on the team — and had four assists — tied for most on the team alongside David Krumov and Cade Whitmire.

Roskos had thre goals and three assists, Sheffield had two goals and an assist and Domsohn scored twice and had an assist.

The Bison also have former Williamsport standout Jimmy Pombor back, a senior this year. Pombor was a talented player at Williamsport and brought that skillset with him to Lewisburg for the Bison.

Bucknell’s defense was key to its run last year. The Bison posted seven shutouts last season and only four teams scored more than two goals against Bucknell all season — Saint Francis, Cornell, Lehigh and St. Bonaventure.

That defense includes Matt McLeod (sophomore), Collin Sullivan (sophomore), Noah Hanzel (sophomore), Ben Sheffield (senior)Jackson Sullivan (senior) and Jack Heintz (junior). Only one player from last year’s team who was listed as a defender graduated and that was Aidan Lawlor. That

means a lot of experience is back defensively, and that’s something that’s only beneficial for the Bison this fall.

The last line of defense is also back in goalie Freddie Lapworth, a senior this season. As a junior, he started all 20 games and recorded 71 saves with a .772 save percentage.

One player the Bison lose is Kattrup Waldemar, a midfielder from Denmark, who graduated after a two-goal season last year. While he didn’t put up a ton of goals, Kattrup played all 19 games and helped the team excel any way he could.

On the back line as mentioned, Lawlor graduated, meaning the Bison will have a hole to replace from a senior who had a lot of valuable experience and game action.

Bucknell’s defense should once again be outstanding this year. With all but one defender returning, that back line will be a key piece of the Bison’s team this season.

If Bucknell’s offense produces more goals than last year, the Bison will be a tough team all around to defend and slow down in the Patriot League.

GOLDEN GOALS 2025 || 64 ||

MANSFIELD WOMEN

Mounties hope to shake off winless year

By JON GERARDI

jgerardi@sungazette.com

W

ins aren’t easy to come by in any sport. Soccer’s no different. That goes for the youth level up through college.

Mansfield can attest to that. Last year, the Mounties went winless with an 0-15-3 record and went 0-15-1 in the PSAC. Sure, the record was far from what Mansfield’s players and coaches were hoping for. But the potential is there to build off.

Mansfield started the year strong competition wise. The Mounties opened the year with a 1-1 tie against Caldwell University before falling to Lock Haven in a tough game, 1-0. That was followed by back-toback double overtime draws, first to Millersville at home, 3-3, and then at Roberts Wesleyan University on the road, 1-1.

An 0-1-3 record to open the year isn’t ideal, but Mansfield competed hard in those games and were in each game. A goal here and there sways that record to open the season. But a few rough losses followed and those losses would snowball together.

But 2025 is a new year and a new start.

That winless year is in the past, where Mansfield hopes it stays as the Mounties embark on a new campaign and hope to build off the positives last year and string wins together.

Mansfield has Riley Bittenbender, a junior, and Brynn Knepp, a sophomore, both back this year on the team. The duo both scored just one goal a piece last year.

And, while that isn’t going to jump off the stat sheet, both players were underclassmen who got valuable time on the field.

Bittenbender and Knepp will no doubt be looked on to step up this year and lead the team in Rueppel’s absence.

Both played in at least 16 games — Bittenbender competed in 17 — and they know what it takes to compete and win within the PSAC against tough teams.

Those two have only improved throughout the offseason as well.

A key returner for Mansfield is in goal with Alyssa Shuman. The former Bloomsburg High School standout started in 15 games last year and played in 17. She recorded 123 saves with a .732 save percentage and was tested throughout the year.

Goalie is always a tough position to play at any level, and playing in goal as a sophomore in college no doubt gave Shuman some confidence going into her junior || 65 || GOLDEN GOALS 2025

PHOTO PROVIDED

Mansfield’s Brynn Nepp competes during a game last year. Nepp returns for Mansfield’s women’s soccer team. season.

The Mounties scored just eight goals last year and, unfortunately for Mansfield, the bulk of that production graduated. Mansfield’s Katelyn Rueppel graduated last year after scoring five goals in just nine games played. She was the only Mansfield player to score multiple goals last year, and her absence is going to leave a hole that’s extremely hard to fill.

Taylor Luckenbill graduated as well

after playing as a graduate student last year. Luckenbill had two goals last fall, leading the team. Also a graduate student last year was Emily Smith, who had a goal.

Mansfield opens the year with Caldwell University like it did last year and has a matchup with Lock Haven early on. Look for Mansfield to prove that it can compete with tough teams in the PSAC and hopefully accumulate some victories.

DISTRICT 4 ALL-TIME GIRLS GOALS Maci Bower, Millville (2011-14) 222 Caitlin Pratt, Troy (2006-09) 206 Christa Matlack, South Wmspt. (2003-06) 176 Madi Bower, Millville (2010-13) 156 Kayla Keefer, Central Columbia (2020-23) 140 Caitlin Landis, Milton (2006-09) 140 Loren Gehret, Southern (2019-22) 139 Tesa McKibben, Montoursville (2005-08) 130 Erin Snyder, Southern (1997-00) 130 Kelli Beiler, Midd-West (2014-17) 126 Macy McCarthy, Sullivan County (2014-17) 111 +Ella Moore, South Wmspt. (2022-25) 111 Thea Nelmond, East Juniata (2016-19) 110 Robyn Brown, Warrior Run (1994-97) 109 Nicole Varano, Mount Carmel (2014-17) 108 Chloe Tracy, Sayre (2013-16) 107 Morgan Bower, Millville (2013-16) 106 Holly Ibanez, Mount Carmel (2004-06) 106 Kirsten Colegrove, Athens (2010-13) 104 Julissa Reed, Shamokin (2003-06) 102 Ali Varano, Mount Carmel (2010-13) 101 Kierstyn Fogle, East Juniata (2016-19) 100 Sarina Dumbleton, Loyalsock (2000-03) 100 Sierra Witmer, Line Mountain (2003-06) 100 Mia Chapman, Mount Carmel (2018-21) 100 Ranotta Ahrensfield, Mount Carmel (2008-11) 99 Ashley Dincher, Selinsgrove (1999-01) 97 Bethany Beinlich, Sullivan County (2017-20) 97 Maryellen Onofre, Athens (1999-02) 96 Haley Bull, Central Columbia (2001-24) 95 Melissa Kellogg, Loyalsock (1998-01) 95 Brooke Ward, Troy (2014-17) 91 Kaitlyn Bower, South Wmspt. (2003-06) 88 Paige Temple, Bloomsburg (2017-20) 88 Megan Kye, Sayre (years n/a) 87 Cheyenne Spade, Midd-West (2007-10) 86 Rachel Scheibeler, Loyalsock (2006-09) 85 Cole Vennie, Selinsgrove (1998-01) 84 Chelsea Landis, Milton (2000-03) 83 + — active player

SUN-GAZETTE FILE PHOTO

South Williamsport’s Ella Moore is currently tied for 11th all-time in District 4 scoring history at 111 goals with Macy McCarthy of Sullivan County. Moore has a chance to climb the leaderboard as she enters her senior season.

DISTRICT 4 ALL-TIME GIRLS ASSISTS

SUN-GAZETTE FILE PHOTO

Loyalsock’s Rhiallie Jessell ended her career with 45 assists, tied for most in program history with former Lancer standout Melissa Kellogg (1998-2001). Only 18 players in District 4 history have surpassed 50 career assists in girls soccer.

Chloe Tracy, Sayre (2013-16) 123 Kate Baldys, South Wmspt. (2003-06) 98 Morgan Bower, Millville (2013-16) 93 Madi Bower, Millville (2010-14) 93 Haley Bull, Central Columbia (2021-24) 73 Kayla Keefer, Central Columbia (2020-23) 73 Sara Hillard, Warrior Run (1994-97) 69 Maci Bower, Millville (2011-14) 68 Cheyenne Spade, Midd-West (2007-10) 67 Emilie Nagel, Muncy (2020-23) 65 Tesa McKibben, Montoursville (2005-08) 60 Traci Flick, Montoursivlle (2004-07) 60 Abby Akers, South Wmspt. (2021-24) 56 Ashley Dincher, Selinsgrove (1998-01) 55 Ally DeVoir, Wyalusing (2011-14) 53 +Ella Moore, South Wmspt. (2022-25) 53 Mackenzie Lopez, Milton (2020-23) 52 Paighton Martin, Wyalusing (years n/a) 52 Alecia Gold, Warrior Run (1998-01) 49 Bethany Beinlich, Sullivan County (2017-20) 47 Rhiallie Jessell, Loyalsock (2014-17) 45 Melissa Kellogg, Loyalsock (1998-01) 45 Sara Sereno, Loyalsock (1998-02) 44 Shannon MacClaven, Troy (1995-98) 43 Joelle Reed, Shamokin (2000-02) 42 Sarina Dumbleton, Loyalsock (2000-03) 40 Sarah Kaletja, Lourdes (2000-02) 39 Angela Saxton, Troy (1999-02) 39 Erica Ludwikowski, Williamsport (2012-14) 38 Sarah Betke, Troy (1995-97) 38 Kirsten O’Malley, Montoursville (2011-14) 36 Taylor Landis, Warrior Run (2009-12) 35 Alexis Getty, Wellsboro (2007-10) 35 Katy Hillard, Warrior Run (1996-99) 34 Mackenzie Clark, Southern (2010-13) 33 Madison Bowman, Williamsport (2014-17) 31 + — active player

DISTRICT 4 ALL-TIME BOYS ASSISTS Will Poirier, Wellsboro (2017-20) 84 Ben Liscum, Lewisburg (2017-20) 80 Casey Rojas, Muncy (2004-07) 79 Seth Murrelle, Sayre (2010-13) 69 David Sterngold, Muncy (2004-07) 63 Dom Ballo, MIlton (2020-23) 62 Hunter Rosenberg, South Wmspt. (2008-11) 61 Max Campbell, Warrior Run (2001-04) 56 Gabe Leach, Wellsboro (2014-17) 55 Fred McNeal, Troy (2001-04) 54 Daniel Saxton, Troy (2000-03) 53 Quaid Molino, South Wmspt. (2017-20) 51 Shane Miller, Troy (2008-11) 51 Justus Leighow, Hughesville (2016-19) 47 Matt Pivirotto, Bishop Neumann (1990-93) 46 Nick Ferguson, Milton (years n/a) 44 Jason Williams, Troy (1996-99) 44 Taylor Skerpon, Troy (2007-10) 44 Gavin Bristol, Troy (years n/a) 43 Trey Hildebrandt, Sayre (2008-11) 42 Brett Shipe, Milton (1998-01) 40 Tom Wilson, Milton (1993-96) 40 Bryan Kulbacki, Milton (years n/a) 40 +Viktor Permyashkin, Lewisburg (2021-25) 40 Evan Yoder, Milton (2020-23) 39 Mark Gee, Williamson (1995-98) 39 Ammar Sabanovic, Muncy (2009-12) 38 Josh Burlingame, Sayre (2006-09) 38 Sam Hillman, Williamsport (2015-18) 35 +Gaige Gensemer, Central Col. (2022-25) 33 Bryce Perles, Danville (2004-07) 33 Elias George, Warrior Run (2010-13) 33 Tyler Comstock, Warrior Run (2000-03) 32 Josiah Hill, Wellsboro (2013-16) 32 Brett Rudy, Wellsboro (2015-18) 32 Anthony Bhangdia, Lewisburg (2017-20) 30 + — active player

SUN-GAZETTE FILE PHOTO

Ben Liscum of Lewisburg (2017-20) ended his career as the second all-time assists leader in District 4 history.

His 80 career assists trails only Will Poirier of Wellsboro, who dished out 84 in his four-year career with the Green Hornets from 2017-20.

SUN-GAZETTE FILE PHOTO

Lewisburg’s Joey Bhangdia (2013-16) ended his career as the third all-time goal scorer in District 4 history with 117 and won two state titles in Class AA in the process. The only boys players ahead of Bhangdia are South Williamsport’s Logan Yerger (127) and Sayre’s Taylor Skerpon (124).

DISTRICT 4 ALL-TIME BOYS GOALS Logan Yerger, South Wmspt. (2007-10) 127 Taylor Skerpon, Sayre (2008-11) 124 Joey Bhangdia, Lewisburg (2013-16) 117 Mike Bennett, Sullivan County (1992-95) 113 Randon Wilston, Mansfield (2004-07) 112 David Sterngold, Muncy (2004-07) 107 Billy Pasukinis, Benton (2004-07) 105 Bryan Wenner, Benton (1986-89) 105 Fred McNeal, Troy (2001-04) 105 Elias George, Warrior Run (2010-13) 102 Brandon Mariano, Shamokin (1997-00) 100 Jake Sankey, East Juniata (2012-15) 100 Hayden Swinehart, South Wmspt. (2018-21) 96 Seth McQuay, Montgomery (2000-03) 95 Josiah Hill, Wellsboro (2013-16) 94 Brandon Smith, Sullivan County (1994-97) 90 Adrian Temple, Loyalsock (1991-94) 90 David Garcia, Selinsgrove (1999-02) 88 Rhame Eyer, Millville (1981-84) 88 Austin Lewis, Hughesville (2016-19) 87 Anthony Bhangdia, Lewisburg (2017-20) 85 Ben Liscum, Lewisburg (2017-20) 84 Mark Hartland, Montoursville (1999-02) 81 Adam Dively, Selinsgrove (1994-97) 80 Kyle Smith, Galeton (1997-00) 80 Karl Matz, Williamsport (1984-87) 78 Kyle Bidelspacher, Montoursvile (1990-93) 77 Matt Hibbs, Loyalscok (2011-14) 77 Nick Trevouledes, Hughesville (2018-21) 76 Jason Stoner, Sullivan County (2005-08) 76 Matt Pivirotto, Bishop Neumann (1990-93) 75 Jordan Brunelle, Troy (2006-09) 75 Dustin Jones, Athens (2001-04) 74 Hunter Rosenberg, South Wmspt. (2008-11) 74 Andy Gemberlin, Warrior Run (1990-93) 73 Kolton Elsayed, Selinsgrove (2015-18) 72 Max Campbell, Warrior Run (1999-02) 72 Phil Baumunk, Sullivan County (2001-04) 72 Drew Dutrow, Milton (2001-04) 72 + — active player

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