The Pequea Valley boys' soccer game against Lebanon on Monday, September 28, was a case of "What? Me worry? You worry."
The Cedars scored early in this Lancaster-Lebanon League contest. The Braves shook that off and came back for a big 5-2 victory at home. The win raised the Braves record to 3-0 (2-0 league).
"While it was tough to get scored on in the opening minute, I was pleased that despite falling behind twice in the first half, we were able to fight back and win comfortably," head coach Peter Bennett stated.
Indeed the Cedars went up in the first minute and, following Mason Smucker's equalizer 12 minutes later, they fell behind 2-1 midway into the first half.
It was a comeback highlighted by a Nevin Stoltzfus hat trick. The junior attacker tied the score at the 26th minute and gave PV its first lead right before halftime.
"We played hard to the final whistle in the first half," Bennett remarked. "We moved the ball around well and got a cross in with seconds left to finish and score our third goal for a 3-2 lead at halftime.
"From there we were able to make some adjustments and solidify our back line to eliminate more scoring chances for Lebanon. We also hit the post twice against Lebanon."
Stoltzfus, who also had an assist on the day, made it 4-1 with 13 minutes left in the match. Landon Fisher, who provided a pair of assists, capped the scoring in the 72nd minute.
Nehemiah Glick, the Braves' returning starter in goal, recovered from the two early goals to record six saves in the win.
"Nevin had a hat trick last year as a sophomore against Annville-Cleona," Bennett recalled.
"I'm happy that we are getting numbers forward and creating opportunities," Bennett said when asked about the boost this win gives the team. "We have guys that are hungry this year. I'm happy to see players being rewarded for their work. It's encouraging to see we have the ability to create opportunities."
GIRLS' SOCCER
The Pequea girls' soccer team earned its first L-L League victory of the year on Monday, September 28 in a huge way, defeating Lebanon 10-1 on the road. The Braves improved to 1-1 in the league (1-2 overall).
Baleigh Henshaw and Elena Esh each scored twice in the scoring barrage. Henshaw also recorded an assist as did Brooke Graham, and Peyton Henshaw.
Shania Stoltzfus and Abi Stoltzfus each booted in one goal. The Fishers also made it a family affair as Sierra Fisher and Avery Fisher each netted a goal. Caroline Fisher, meanwhile, scored one and assisted on two more goals. Megan Yoder tallied one goal and one assist
Pequea scored four times in the first half and six in the second half.
Asked about playing a game where the attackers saw the fruition of finishing scoring opportunities, head coach Steve Morris commented, "In our practices, we have been working very hard on finishing and making the most of our opportunities - whether that is many or few.
"Also, we've been working on having more purpose in the midfield as we build our offensive efforts," Morris added.
The Braves evened their mark at 2-2 with a non-league win on Thursday evening. Emily Diller scored two of Pequea's five goals in a 5-1 defeat of Oley Valley. Yoder, Esh, and Devaya Graham each added a goal while Avery Fisher and Brooke Graham provided assists.
FOOTBALL
The Braves took a 7-0 lead over Columbia in a Section Four football game at Kinzers on Friday, September 28. The Crimson Tide scored two touchdowns in the opening period and kept a one-touchdown lead heading into halftime.
In a contest where the Braves were battling and staying on the opponent's heels the entire time and even led briefly in the second quarter, Columbia pulled ahead in the final period for a 44-23 win. The Braves fell to 0-2 on the year.
Nate Fisher hit Jonathan Carter on a 21-yard touchdown pass in the first period. Nevin Stoltzfus converted the PAT kick to make it 7-0 Braves.
J'von Collazo, who went on to gain 82 yards on the ground, scored one of Columbia's two first-quarter touchdowns. He also caught a pass for the two-point conversion.
The Braves' next drive stalled in the red zone with Stoltzfus putting a 20-yard field goal attempt between the uprights. Antonio Lazar's one-yard rushing TD gave the Braves a 16-14 lead.
The Tide scored 28 unanswered points, including two touchdown passes from Robert Footman, who passed for 256 yards on 13 completions.
Fisher connected with Carter for a second touchdown pass, making their scoring tandem the bookends on the box score. In their fourth-quarter connection, Carter hauled in a 39-yarder. He finished with 77 receiving yards. Collin Rohrer also caught three passes, compiling 70 yards. Fisher had 11 completions for 180 yards.
On the ground, Antonio Lazar had a gutty performance, running the ball 16 times for 78 yards and a touchdown. Fisher gained 34 on seven carries.
GIRLS TENNIS
With back-to-back 7-0 victories, the Braves improved to 5-3 on the year (4-3 league). On Monday, September 28, they topped Northern Lebanon in a Section Three match at home. On Thursday the Braves blanked Garden Spot.
Adalie Clemmer and Michaela Sheets were dominant in their outings. They won the first doubles match 8-0. Clemmer came on for a 6-0, 6-0 straight sets win at first singles while Sheets won third singles 6-0, 6-1.
Kiersten Ann Winey and Maya Jaclyn Fritz paired up for an 8-0 win at number two doubles. They were 6-0, 6-0 winners in their respective singles matches.
Josephine Newnam and Kyleigh Jarvis were 8-4 winners at third doubles.
In their home match against Garden Spot, the singles matches with Clemmer, Winey, Sheetz and Fritz were all 6-0, 6-0 straight set victories.
Sheets and Clemmer played to an 8-1 victory at number one doubles. The twosome of Winey and Rebecca Cox posted an 8-0 win as did Fritz and Newnam.
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