North beats Bedford, elements
ADAMS TWP — Steady snowfall engulfed much of Tuesday night's PIAA Class 2A girls soccer semifinal between Bedford and North Catholic, causing players to be tentative with their steps and unsure of their shots.
But by the end of the game, the wintry scene seemed to add to the jubilation on North's bench.
Jayden Sharpless' goal in the 44th minute gave the Trojanettes the only lead they would need in a 2-0 victory at the Mars Athletic Complex.
“These were the toughest conditions you can have for a soccer game ... snow and wind,” said North coach Emily Karr. “Our players did a wonderful job.”
North will face Bloomsburg, a 1-0 winner over Allentown Central Catholic, for the state title at 11 a.m. Saturday at Hersheypark Stadium.
Grace Billmann's speed contributed to the initial goal. She streaked down the field to the left of the net before centering the ball to Sharpless, less than 10 yards in front of the net.
“We definitely had to change how we played because of the snow,” Sharpless said. “But I think we adapted well.”
Certainly better than Bedford.
The Bisons (14-1) had scored 110 goals this season, but struggled getting any flow going, beginning in their own end.
“Defensively, we simply had to clear the ball,” said Bedford coach Jeff Thomas. “We weren't connecting on passes and we struggled winning 50/50 balls. The conditions completely took us out of our game.”
North's defense of Ava Billmann, Lindsey Pawlawski, Elle McKenzie, Daniella Newara and Tess McMichael added to Bedford's frustration.
North goalkeeper Andrea Bean needed to make just two saves in the game. With just over a minute left, she retrieved the ball in front of her net. The Trojanettes then quickly flipped the field, with senior forward Tori Michalski icing the game with a goal with 40 seconds left.
Grace Billmann missed scoring by mere inches in the first half, hitting the left post in the 18th minute.
Lindsay Mowry stopped three shots for the Bisons, who won the state title two years ago.
For Karr, her team's semifinal win was as much about not forcing things as it was about defending and attacking Bedford.
“It was about managing mistakes,” she said. “We had to be aware of balls slipping off someone's foot. We had to delay some movements and stay in a good, reactionary position.”
North (15-2-1) will be playing in the state final for the first time in program history.
Sharpless exclaimed: “We've made school history and are so excited about playing for a state championship!”
