Lady Tigers soccer taking care of their seniors

High school girls soccer

HOLLIDAYSBURG -- Hollidaysburg junior Allie Hayer loves the senior class on this year's Lady Tigers soccer team, and she would prefer not to see them lose another game the rest of their careers.

Hayer helped make sure that was the case at least for Wednesday by scoring two first half goals in a 2-0 win over a dangerous Central team that tied state-power Bishop Guilfoyle Academy last week.

"We have had some heartbreaking losses that we have felt like we deserved to win," Hayer said. "On the other hand, we all love our senior class and feel like this has been a good season. We're excited for districts."

Hollidaysburg improved to 10-2-2 but will face a tough test tonight against Bellefonte. Coach Tristan delGiudice stressed to his team that a more complete effort will be needed to beat the Lady Raiders -- the current top seed in the Class 3A playoff field with Hollidaysburg second.

"The second half, it felt like Central came out and certainly looked like they wanted to get back into the game," delGiudice said. "We came out a little flat. We were on the defensive for a good chunk of the second half. Credit to Central, they are always tough and well coached. Fortunately our defense, even though we may not have been winning all the midfield battles, our defense is usually pretty stout. We probably only gave up one or two good chances. We didn't play a full 80 minutes. We're happy to get out of here with a 2-0 win."

Along with keeper Ellie Jadlocki helping Hollidaysburg earn its ninth clean sheet in 10 wins, juniors Jillian Buffone and Lydia Desort played excellent defensively.

According to delGiudice, the Lady Tigers experimented a little on Wednesday due to coming into the game short-handed.

"We're missing a couple girls and tried a different lineup," delGiudice said. "I thought the girls came out and played well in the first half and connected passes. They found the open person. Kate (Steiner) to Allie (Hayer) for two nice goals."

The lack of depth may also have led to a weaker second half.

"I think we came out a lot stronger than we did in the second half," Hayer said. "I think by the end, we just got a little tired."

Central fell back to .500 with the loss but has shined at points this season, including the second half of Wednesday's game. The Lady Dragons had a few good looks and shots on goal, but they sailed over the net.

"We're always a slow-starting team," Central coach Randy Trexler said. "I don't know why that is, but we did change up our formation, and I think that helped a little bit after the talk at halftime getting them to refocus. Unfortunately, we couldn't get too many shots off. I think their defense was pretty solid back there and scooped up a lot of balls we got behind them."

Central is currently in the middle of the pack in the District 6 Class 2A playoff rankings, but Trexler believes if his team plays its best, it can make a run.

"I think we're one of the most organized teams," Trexler said. "It really is up to them and how they are going to come into a game. Are they going to be slow like this today or play like we did in the second half? It always boils down to that. They all understand the game really well and their patterns of play. They just have to execute when they get out there."

SCORE BY HALVES

Central 0 0 — 0

Hollidaysburg 2 0 — 2

First Half: H--Hayer (Steiner), 27:01; H--Hayer (Steiner), 4:22.

Second Half: none.

Records: Central (6-6-3); Hollidaysburg (10-2-2).