NTL GIRLS' SOCCER: WYALUSING HAS STRONG 2021 CAMPAIGN (2021-11-15)

Northern Tier Sports Report
Wyalusing girls’ soccer had one of their best seasons in school history in 2021. They won 13 matches, going 13-5, earned a home playoff match, and battled for the top spot in the league for much of the season.

“It was a good season for us,” said Wyalusing coach Gary Haley. “We were able to tie our school record for wins with 13, and had some nice wins throughout the season.”

After a strong 2020 campaign, and losing just two starters, things looked up for the Rams as they opened the year by claiming the Meadowbrook Christian Tournament title.

They had a small setback, falling 1-0 to Troy on the road, but won their next two games by a combined 16-0 to get to 4-1.

A 2-1 loss to NEB was followed by a 5-0 win against Towanda, but a 5-1 loss to Millville kept them searching for consistency.

They found it over their five matches - all wins - including a 2-1 victory over Athens on the road. A 2-1 set back to Loyalsock ended the streak, but they were able to win three of their final four regular season games, including a 3-2 revenge win over NEB.

They hosted Line Mountain in the playoffs, but lost 7-3, denying them their first playoff win in school history.

They had two girls go over 20 goals - Layla Botts (23) and Olivia Haley (21) - while Olivia Spencer finished with 12.

Despite the steps taken this year, they will have some big holes to fill in 2022.

“We are graduating five seniors (Marissa Johnson, Kensy Miller, Olivia Spencer, Dakota Hugo, and goalie Pearl O’Connor), who have contributed greatly over the years, and they will be missed and tough to replace,” said Haley.

O’Connor will be an especially tough loss as good goalies are hard to find, and she was a multiple NTL all-star.

However, they return plenty of talent, especially on the attacking front with Haley and Botts. With the success they’ve had the last two years - both playoff seasons - coach Haley is hoping they’ll generate some excitement to boost their numbers going forward.

“We do return a nice group, and hope to continue improving our program next year,” he said.

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