Unfitting finale
MOON TWP — Shots are good.
Goals are better.
The Freeport girls soccer team had the better of the action against Waynesburg Central in the first half of the WPIAL 2A semifinal Monday night at Moon High School, but the Yellowjackets couldn't convert.
The Raiders did, however, making the most of their limited opportunities in a shocking 7-0 win over Freeport.
Waynesburg Central had three shots on goal in the first half. It scored three goals. The Raiders had eight shots on goal and scored seven times in the match.
“Three goals on three shots,” lamented Freeport coach Brittni Grenninger. “It kind of got out of control.”
Waynesburg Central (18-1) avenged a 3-1 loss in the WPIAL semifinal to Freeport last season.
No one was more shocked at the outcome in the rematch than Waynesburg Central coach Joe Kijowski.
“No way I expected this,” he said. “Freeport is an excellent team and they beat the crap out of us last year. We were hungry.”
Perhaps no one was more famished than freshman Rhea Kijowski, who scored four goals.
Her first two came after Kaley Pell gave the Raiders a 1-0 lead just five minutes into the match.
Her final two in the second half, one just 30 seconds after a goal by Kylie Sinn, completed the blowout.
“I guess she'll get to eat tonight. That's good,” Coach Kijowski joked. “She's a hard worker and she has plenty of help around her.”
Sinn scored twice for Waynesburg Central, which will move on to play either Yough or Freedom in the WPIAL 2A final later this week.
For Freeport (16-3-1), the season is suddenly over.
The Yellowjackets actually dominated play for most of the first half and had several chances to score.
Abby Bastaja bent a shot that skimmed off the top of the crossbar in the 15th minute.
Sarah Lipniskis also has two strong shots that sailed just wide in the first 20 minutes.
“It was definitely tough,” Grenninger said. “I think in the first half we definitely had our opportunities. There were quite a few what ifs tonight.
“I think we got our heads down,” Grenninger added. “We have to learn from this and carry it into next year.”
