While the goal at the start of the season is to qualify for the post-season, it doesn't really hit you until you're there that, unless you win it all, your season will end with a loss. Solanco's girls' soccer team realized that scenario Thursday, October 26th as they dropped a 3-0 result in the District 3A quarterfinal against the top seed Blue Devils of Greencastle-Antrim.

"They were one of the best teams I have seen in a long time," said head coach Ken Yoder. "They were super quick all over the field."

Solanco, seeded ninth, ended its season one win short of the program's first trip to the state tournament. Their 14-5 mark tied the school record for most wins in a season set in 2019. This was their second trip to the district tournament.

The Blue Devils took the lead six minutes into the game on a Courtney Andruczk's shot from 30 yard out. And that stood until halftime.

"We just had trouble finishing in front of the net," said Yoder. "If one of our shots goes in, I feel it would have changed things."

G-A was awarded a penalty kick seven minutes into the second half but the shot went wide and Solanco had new life. Unfortunately, Andruczk made it 2-0 at the 31:06 mark. Just over two minutes later, they made it 3-0.

"Those early second half goals took the wind out of our sails a bit," Yoder said. "Still, despite not being able to possess the ball for long periods of time, I felt we played OK. We played relentless defense. They were just the better team, but we never gave up."

Solanco's best opportunity to score came with 21:05 left to play. Meg Bailey went one-on-one with the keeper but her shot went wide.

The loss closes the door for five seniors - four year starters Maya Dolan, Kendal Janssen, Rilyn Sander and Hannah Wood along with goalie Caroline Drumm who were again one win away from states.

"Two years ago, only three went to states and we lost the play-in game," Yoder recalled. "We tied our record with wins, but I would have liked to have that cancelled Kennett game back.

"At the end of the day, we didn't win a section title or a league title, but we accomplished more than winning those titles," he continued. "The girls just play their hearts out and have such great attitudes. I will miss it," Yoder, who is stepping down and moving to Florida, added. "We had a sendoff in front of Rite Aid and had tremendous support from the community. We beat Elco in double overtime, we beat LS in brutal weather. And I never dreamed that when I took over this is how far we would go. I finally feel like we expect to win soccer games."

CROSS COUNTRY

The cross country team's hard work this season paid off when they qualified for the District Three Championships held at Big Spring High School, Saturday, October 30. And while they did not round up the hardware, they did exceed expectations and ended the season on a positive note.

Projected to finish in 24th place, the boy's team, led by Avery Jacobson, settled for 22nd place. The senior saved his best for last, posting a personal best 17:18 for 46th place.

"Avery continued to improve right up to his last race," said head coach Andrew Musselman. "He missed qualifying for states by 20 seconds."

Anthony Solis, Solanco's only district returner from last year, was close behind. The junior ran his fastest time of the year, a 17:31 and finished in 68th place. Sophomore Wyatt Tomison clocked an 18:09 for 110th place while Jimmy Hartigan (169th, 18:56 PR) and senior Joey Hartigan (200th, 19:27) rounded out the scoring five.

"This was a tough one for Wyatt but he's anxious for another shot," Musselman said. "Jimmy had a great race and an amazing finish. Joey was close to his PR for the season and finished his career with a strong race."

Curtis Hills (20:57) and Michael Eisenberger (22:48), both underclassmen, gained valuable experience as they competed.

"Curtis is our only freshman this year," said Musselman. "He continues to learn and got himself a PR, as did Michael."

Representing the girls' squad was Christine Wagner and Emma Baxter.

"The girls were expected to barely break the top 100," noted Musselman. "Thanks to the impressive amount of work they put in this summer and fall, they blew those expectations away. Christine ran a career best 20:56 for 54th place. She was 12 places and 17 seconds from a state qualification. Next year!

"Emma also ran an amazing race," the coach continued. "She finished just behind Christine in 58th place with a 21:02.

"All in all, it was a great day and I couldn't think of a better way to end the season. I'm extremely proud of these runners. The seniors finished their careers on a high note despite having a new coach and the underclassmen worked hard to get where they did," Musselman said. "Next year, we set the sights a little bit higher and continue improving. We are heading in the right direction."

FOOTBALL

On a wildly wet and windy Friday night, October 30th, Solanco's football team dropped its final game of the season at Elizabethtown, 32-14, leaving the Mules with a 3-7 record.

Solanco committed six turnovers. The Bears converted three. If it wasn't for a 20-0 second quarter that favored the hosts, the score would have been closer. Solanco punted on the game's first possession and E-town countered with a 12-play drive and a 31-yard scoring strike for the lead.

The Mules quickly answered. Quarterback Bradley Weder (91 passing yards) hit Elijah Cunningham (3 catches) for a 45-yard TD pass and Trent McDowell's PAT gave the visitors their only lead of the night, 7-6.

Four minutes into the second quarter, Etown went in front for good on a 39-yard pass play and just over a minute later, they returned a fumble 43 yards to paydirt. The two-point conversion made it 20-7. Another passing TD pushed the lead to 26-7 at the break.

McDowell recovered his own onside kick to start the second half, but a fumbled pitch ended the opportunity. The hosts countered with their fourth straight TD, a 27-yard run.

Solanco capped the scoring with Robert Castagna's (32 rushing yards) five-yard run with 1:55 left.

Brian Coleman finished with 41 rushing yards and Elijah Reimold added 33. Josiah Forren and Colton Stoltzfus recorded eight solo tackles with Aden Herr adding seven.

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FIELD HOCKEY

Solanco's Kate Underwood and Rebecca Bruno received Section Three all-star recognition with Underwood being named to the second team while Bruno was an honorable mention. "Kate netted her first varsity goal this season on a stroke," recalled head coach Whitney Hawkins. "She is my center mid. She is strong, aggressive and has great vision of the field.

Bruno, a senior, finished with six goals and five assists. "She is a team player," said Hawkins. "I will miss her passion for the game and her team."