Middletown, Pa. - The Penn State Harrisburg women's soccer team came prepared for their season finale while knowing their recent loss to St. Mary's had put away the team's playoff hopes. Even without the playoff potential, Wednesday night's rivalry game against second place York College was filled with excitement. Unfortunately, the Blue and White allowed a goal in the first minute that proved too hard to come back from.
Harrisburg was hoping to finish their season by beating one of the top teams in the conference and letting everyone know what was in store down the road for the young Lion team. Instead they gave up a goal in the first minute off a corner kick. The Spartans continued to attack for most of the first half and were able to gain a 4-0 lead by the 30th minute changing the Blue and Whites original game plan.
At this point, the Lion's (which have played this role too many times this season) down a few goals turned up the intensity. This is a difficult step to accomplish and shows the character of the women, but also has been the Achilles heel this season in regards to wins and losses.
The second half was a completely different story. Harrisburg was able to start producing chances and stepped up their defensive effort. The Lions pushed all the way to the end. Junior captain Hannah Jorich (Middletown, Pa. / Middletown) had the best opportunity of the night after receiving a well-timed through ball from Fay Ansary (Hummelstown, Pa. /Hershey). Jorich took her shot around the 18 yard box and disappointingly hit the metal crossbar instead of the net the Lion faithful were on their feet hoping for.
Wednesday game also marked the end of Senior Kara Hoy's (Camp Hill, Pa. / Camp Hill) collegiate soccer career. Hoy has been the building block of this program, starting in every game but one throughout her four years. Senior Christine Cesavice (Lewiston, Pa. / Indian Valley), although only playing one season, the mom of two truly made this year special while being an example on and off the field for the younger players.
Head Coach Adam Clay had this to say of his team's final performance, "We are all disappointed to be ending our season without reaching this year's goal to make the playoffs. Now that we have been through a season in the CAC, we know what we have to do to elevate ourselves for next year. The best part for me has been seeing our team come closer together as a group and doing it through adversity. Last year we contended for a conference championship and won 13 games, this year we won 7, are a better soccer team and most importantly growing closer to becoming the family we are striving to be."
Post Game Interview with Team!