Loyalsock’s Rachel Buffington pushes the ball into the box during Loyalsock High School’s game against Bloomsburg. Dave Kennedy/Sun Gazette
Going into Thursday night’s game at Royasock, the Lancers more than expected to face a tough battle against Bloomsburg. The Panthers enter the game with a record of 7-3 and have three players scoring seven or more points.
Loyalsock knew it wouldn’t be an easy game, but by the time the horn sounded it certainly wasn’t. Loyalsock lost to Bloomsburg 4-1 as Hannah McGill scored a hat trick for Bloomsburg.
“We had some games this year that we knew were going to be tough, but even though we lost, we played really well.” Loyalsock coach Mark Peischer said. “I know they played Hughesville the other day and they had a good performance, so we knew it wasn’t going to be easy.”
Bloomsburg controlled the first half against the Lancers, allowing just one shot (on goal) and eight of its own in the first 40 minutes. Bloomsburg scored three goals in the first half and held a 3-0 lead by halftime.
Loyalsock High School’s Brianna Helmrich stands up to score during Loyalsock High School’s game against Bloomsburg. Dave Kennedy/Sun Gazette
But in the second half, Loyalsock came out more aggressive and tried to push further to score. Loyalsock often held the ball in Bloomsburg’s defensive third in the second half, but was only able to score one goal.
That’s when Lucy Ecker put the ball in with 2:07 left to avoid a shutout.
“It’s pretty much the same thing we always tell them (in the first half). We had some games early in the season where we played well in the first half and struggled in the second half.” Peisher said. “Part of what we’re going to focus on is the whole game. We don’t want any disappointments. Win or lose, keep fighting and keep going and keep going.”
McGill scored his third goal, a hat trick, with 13:14 left in the game, receiving the ball from a corner kick and firing it into the far right post to give Bloomsburg a 4-0 lead. McGill’s goal came in just four minutes. They immediately took a 1-0 lead into the game, and Delaney Zentner scored with 16:25 left to play until halftime, giving them a 2-0 lead.
McGill added its second goal just before halftime with 5:18 remaining.
DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette Royasoc and Bloomsburg will play in a game Thursday night.
“We’re currently dealing with a lot of injuries, many of which were starters. So we’re just trying to make the best of the situation. The most important thing is that we’re trying to make the most of the positives. That’s what we’re trying to maintain and build a better culture than last year and continue to improve.” Peisher said. “We had some close games and some games we struggled with, but overall we have definitely improved from last year.”
In the second half, Lauren O’Malley nearly scored while running. O’Malley takes the ball from 20 yards left, runs horizontal to the 18-yard line, and is able to turn as the defender gets on her and sends the ball, which flies slightly higher and crosses the football. It bounced off the bar.
Bloomsburg outscored the Lancers 12-2, but after Bloomsburg controlled the first half, they were even in possession in the second half.
Freshman Eva Deknecht started in goal Thursday, making nine saves and making countless blocks to keep the Lancers in the game and deny Bloomsburg an early runaway.
“She’s still learning and has the potential to get even better.” Peischer said of the zookeeper: “She was forced into a difficult situation today, but she did her best under the circumstances.”
Loyalsock High School’s Adara Whitehead passes the ball to a teammate during Loyalsock High School’s game against Bloomsburg. Dave Kennedy/Sun Gazette
With 6:25 left in the first half, Loyalsock stole the ball near Bloomsburg’s end line and sent a nice cross into the box. Bloomsburg goaltender Cassidy Kashner ran and slid to the right as the Lancers attempted a shot. The ball left Kashner and remained outside the six-yard box, but Bloomsburg cleared the ball and prevented a dangerous chance that could have been a big goal that would have cut the deficit to 2-1 if they had scored. was completed. Royalsock took advantage of that.
With four minutes until halftime, O’Malley took a shot from the left side of the 18, but it missed just a few feet.
Bloomsburg 4, Royasoc 1
B–Hannah McGill, 36:05. B – Delaney Zentner, 16:25. B-McGill, 5:18. B-McGill, 13:14. L–Lucy Ecker, 2:07.
Shots: B 12, L 2. Corner: B 3, L 1. Saves: B 1 (Cassidy Kashner), L 9 (Eva Deknecht).
Loyalsock High School’s Elaina Barkins passes the ball to a teammate during Loyalsock High School’s game against Bloomsburg. Dave Kennedy/Sun Gazette
Record: Bloomsburg (8-3), Loyalsock (5-8-1).
Elaina Barkins, 7, of Loyalsock High School and Hari Bauer, 34, of Bloomsburg, fight for control of a loose ball at Loyalsock High School. Dave Kennedy/Sun Gazette
Lock Haven University Athletics announced its annual Hall of Fame induction ceremony Wednesday night. …
We’ve put together two videos from Week 6 to give you a look at what Week 7 will bring to local soccer in the West.
The Muncie girls soccer team scored four goals in the second half in a dominant win against Montgomery on Wednesday.
