Lady Wildcat Soccer Falls to Altoona

ALTOONA-The Lady Wildcat Soccer team saw their first bit of action for the 2024 season as they traveled to Mansion Park to take on defending District 6 and State Qualifiers Altoona Mountain Lions. Leah Ferrar, Leah Kasrtetter, Harper Conklin and Autumn Sneath made their first varsity debut while six Sophomore and one freshman made the starting lineup. The young Wildcat team had difficulty matching the pace and speed of play from the home side. While entering their first game of the season, the Mountain Lions were already entering their fourth on the season. The Lady Wildcats would learn quickly that they are far from game fitness and the home side were relentless in their attacking third. The Lady Cats went into half down by three goals and had limited shots or goal scoring opportunities.

The second half started fast and the young Lady Cats were not switched on. The home side peppered the goal and unleashed five goals before the visiting team could blink. While the Lady Cats were still testing the waters, looking at specific positions to fill, the home side took advantage of open space and an unorganized defensive shell. The game did settle down and the Lady Cats were able to get out of their half, creating a few small chances and a couple of chances on goal, recording four shots on frame. Freshman Alyssa Ford, Ashlynn Zenner and Autumn Sneath got a taste of what high school soccer looks like, along with many other underclassmen who will hopefully use this as a developmental stage and will grow from this.

The JV team played a modified 9v9 game and came out on an unlucky 1-0 loss. The home side were able to find the net and hold onto the lead for the remainder of the game. Once again, the lineup consisted of many new faces that will become the future of the Lady Wildcat Soccer program. Head Coach Ryan Veltri said, “We are excited to watch these girls grow this season!”