It was a bounce back season for NEB girls soccer as they were infused with a strong freshman class to be competitive throughout the season.

The Panthers went 6-11-1 on the season, but could have easily reversed their win-loss record as there were plenty of tight contests.

They opened with three loss - two of which were by one goal - then won three of their next four games, beating Williamson (6-0), Towanda (3-0), and Elk Lake (5-1), while tying NPM (0-0).

A tough stretch saw them lose two straight, but they did pick up a 2-0 win over Mountain View to open their tournament.

In the tournament final they lost 2-1 to Midd-West in a shootout, then followed that up with a close 2-0 loss to Wyalusing.

After two more losses they went on a 2-game win streak with victories over Williamson (6-2) and Towanda (2-0).

They ended the season with back to back one-loss efforts to NPM (2-1) and Troy (2-1).

"Our season went well," said NEB coach Joel Howland. "We held teams like Athens, Troy, and Wyalusing to one goal games. We took Midd West to a PK shootout at our tournament in the finals.  We ended up with four girls on NTL all stars as well!  We made a run at a district birth. If a few extra goals fall for us, we see the postseason. Our girls worked so hard this season. Hats off to Maggie Chappell for putting in a ton of off season work to begin to fill the big shoes left behind of Leah Beebe. She did a wonderful job in the net."

They were a senior laden squad with seven of their 15 players in 12th grade.

"We are losing seven seniors who are all crucial to the program and NEB as a whole," Howland said. "They are more than just great athletes. They are smart, hard working, goal driven young ladies who will make a difference in this world and I thank them for their many contributions and sacrifices to our team and community."

They dodged have a strong core of players to build around, especially from their ninth grade class.

"The three freshman who came up this year absolutely killed it," said Howland. "I believe Emilie (Maynard) and Liz (Stanton) combined for 15 or 16 goals. Trinity Fick stepped back to a wing on defense and gained confidence each game. She showed she belonged on the field with the best of them."

Going forward they're going to have to work on their numbers with just eight returning, while also finding a new coach.

"This is my last year coaching," Howland said. "I am going to be dad on the sidelines with my own daughter at NEBYSA. I wish Northeast girls soccer and all programs for that matter nothing but the best going forward, and God willing, in 7-or-8 years, I can lean on the fence and watch Haiden play and cheer NEB on!"