Central Mountain soccer: boys continue; girls’ season ends
BALD EAGLE TOWNSHIP, PA – Saturday saw word that the Central Mountain boys’ soccer team will be participating in the District 6 Class 3A playoffs on Nov. 1. At the same time the season ended for the Central Mountain girls’ team, the Lady Wildcats falling to visiting Shikellamy by a 5-0 score.
The Wildcat boys’ team finished 6-12 in the regular season and earned a number three seed in the district playoffs. They will travel to Bellefonte on Monday, Nov. 1 to meet the number two seeded Raiders (11-3-1) in a semifinal contest, game time 7:30 p.m. They did not meet in the regular season.
The second semifinal will see top-seeded Hollidaysburg (18-0) host number four seed Penn Cambria (6-11-1).
Meanwhile the Central Mountain Lady Wildcats lost their final game Saturday to Shikellamy. Head Coach Ryan Veltri, back directing the program for the 2021 season, provided this season-ending report:
“The Lady Wildcat Soccer team stepped foot at Malinak Stadium for the last time this season as they welcomed Shikellamy. A cold and rainy Homecoming game, the Lady Wildcat seniors were juggling the emotional roller coaster of playing their last game of their career and seeing out a season in a conference that doesn’t necessarily support their ability to compete in the district tournament. By not playing a single team from their district, it’s difficult to measure how they would have been able to do in post season play. The only measuring stick is playing non-league games in which the Lady Wildcats competed with or beaten teams that will now continue their season in the playoffs.
“Once again, the Lady Wildcat Soccer team found themselves chasing the game. Shikellamy coming in with eleven wins this season we’re on the attack from the beginning as they pinned the Lady Cats in their defensive end for a better portion of the game. There were moments where the Lady Wildcats broke into the attack but lacked the numbers to attack with any real threat and left players stranded with the ball. Strong defensive play by Ava Bair, Mia Kopysciansky, Taylor Campbell and Kylie Quiggle as well as fantastic saves by Madison Briggs, kept the visiting side from running up the score. The Lady Wildcat Soccer team has met six separate teams ranked in the top ten of the sate this season and have represented the blue and white with character, discipline and pride.
“Seniors Mia Kopysciansky, Madison Briggs, Ava Bair, Kylie Quiggle; Alyssa VanGorder, Sydney Cooper, Emily Short, Aubrell Pinero, Riley Kaluzny and Roxanne Condo reinvented the Wildcat Traditions this season. They have taken upon their shoulders adversity with grace and a smile. They have worked hard to define a total team, a culture that promotes a competitive edge and a fun environment that welcomes everyone. Although they went 3-14 this season, the three wins totaled just as many wins then their previous three years combined. With a positive step forward, this senior class will be remembered as the team to spring board this program into the next phases of progression. With a very strong under-classman squad, the future will be in good hands, led by three upcoming Juniors Kihana Jones, Briley Lewis and Traci Thompson.
“As the season closes out, it’s a new beginning for the seniors as they will soon become a part of an unbelievable alumni association that will support the program for years to come. We wish the seniors the very best in everything they do as they take their first steps towards their new adventures and will be welcomed “home” every chance they get.
“The Junior Lady Wildcat Soccer team had one more chance to play on Malinak as they too closed out their season. The Junior Cats welcomed Bald Eagle Area and regardless of the wet conditions and cold rain, scored four goals to end the season in spectacular fashion! The Junior Lady Wildcats have come a long way this season and the eighth grade group will be making their way to Malinak full time next season. We look forward to developing this program and generating the numbers to continue to build upon were we can have many youth girl soccer players a chance to replicate their role models.
“We have many opportunities for development for all returning Lady Wildcat Soccer players during the off-season including indoor training and a futsal tournament as we collaborate with West Branch Soccer Club and Lock Haven University, winter league options, spring club options, youth clinics, summer training sessions, summer league play and team camp. Information will be coming soon! First, we celebrate with our Lady Wildcat Soccer banquet to bring the 2021 season to a close! Thanks to everyone who worked with this program and all the behind the scenes work that went into the program. The coaching staff consisting of Lady Wildcat Alumni, Courtney Yourchak, Lauren Heimer, Morgan Walker and Johnna Harris were instrumental in getting the program back on track! The Booster Club worked hard to provide the program with the needs that come with team sports as well as all the parents for their support this season. We are headed in the right direction and it takes a total team!”
