Shamokin edges Lady Wildcats on soccer senior night, 2-1
BALD EAGLE TOWNSHIP, PA – The Central Mountain Lady Wildcat soccer team hosted Shamokin Tuesday evening and celebrated Senior Night, the visitors with a hard-earned 2-1 win.
The team celebrated the commitment and dedication of three seniors in the opening ceremonies of the game. Kiahna Jones, Briley Lewis and Traci Thompson were escorted by their families. Coach Ryan Veltri lauded all three for their contributions to the program, “We are extremely grateful for the senior leadership this season. These three student athletes are a true example of our core values and representing not only the soccer program but Central Mountain High School. They have dedicated themselves to the traditions of those soccer alumni who have walked in their shoes. They embody the core value of playing for each other, participating with passion and being dynamic. They now become a part of an elite group known as the Lady Wildcat Soccer alumni and will continue to carry on those traditions as they move forward in life. We look forward to the limited time we have with them this season and are grateful to have them lead this program.”
The game was played in some heavy rain at times, making the ball and the game uncharacteristic of how CM would like to play. The Lady ‘Cats struggled putting passes together and found themselves winning the ball but giving it away to the other team with their distribution.
Shamokin found the net first, the ball was stuck inside the box and the home side couldn’t clear it. The Lady Wildcats were unable to control the ball and the end result meant the home side had to get the ball out of their own net. Later in the half, CM’s Elise Cygan collected the ball and turned, found Taylor Campbell in a great attacking position, Taylor drove to the goal and unleashed a precise ball into the side netting to even the score.
The second half began with Shamokin capitalizing on a mistake that started with the home side throw in. The ball was lost and a missed clearance because of the wet surface put the visiting team in a one-on-one situation with the Central Mountain goalkeeper who was not able to stop the shot.
The Lady Wildcats applied some pressure but were not able to capitalize. A few opportunities and some lucky breaks that did not fall for the blue and white, who chased the remainder of the game. At times it looked like the visiting team parked their bus in front of their goal. Unfortunately, there was not an equalizer and the home side were dealt a loss on senior night.
The Lady Wildcat soccer team is back at it when they host Williamsport on Thursday.
