By Paisley Mangold, social media editor
The Cambridge Springs girls soccer team has had an outstanding season, winning their first D10 championship on November 7 with a 3-1 win over Seneca. Senior captain Ella Nicholson was ecstatic. “This opportunity is unforgettable. I really don’t want my senior year to end, and we just keep on pushing it,” Nicholson said. “I’m so happy and so proud of what my team and I have accomplished.”
For Coach Geoff Bristow, the victory is sweet. He has been the head coach for 16 years, since shortly after soccer was approved as a PENNCREST sport. “I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to coach such a great group of girls and bring home the D10 Championship to Saegertown and Cambridge Springs high schools,” Bristow said. “Winning the D10 Championship has been an extremely satisfying experience and shows that the hard work of the current and past players, and, yes, even the coaches, is paying off.”
Athletes from both schools play an integral part in the team’s success. Focusing on the Saegertown players, Coach Bristow noted that Maggie Braymer, Paisley Mangold, Ella Nicholson, and Kylie Beck account for 28 of the team’s 56 goals this season while the secure defense is anchored by center-backs Ella Worley and Nola Zook who are known as “The Blue Wall” for letting nothing through them. Braymer currently leads the team with 11 goals this season.
Tomorrow the ladies travel to Redbank Valley to play in the state quarterfinal match. Redbank Valley’s current record is 16-3, and they also just won their first district championship. Coach Bristow thinks it will be an even match. “Redbank has several experienced seniors who are fast and athletic,” Bristow said. “If we stick to our game plan, protect the ball, and maximize our scoring chances, I like our prospects of advancing to the state semi-finals.”
Nicholson agreed with her coach and shared that she sees the chance to advance in the state tourney as the “honor of a lifetime.” “I believe we have all the potential in the world to win and carry on. We just have to have our heads on right and go out there on Saturday and give them everything we’ve got.”
The match will begin at noon, and you can follow the action @PantherPressSHS. Livestream details will be posted as soon as they are available.
