Lady Raiders clinch share of section title
WAYNESBURG — The Waynesburg Central girls soccer team was promised homemade baked goods if they won on Wednesday night, and the Lady Raiders were up to the task after clinching at least a share of the Section 3-AA title with a 4-2 victory over Yough Wednesday night.
“We were promised cookies if we won tonight,” Waynesburg senior forward Madison Clayton said with a grin. “We love playing these close games. These games will help prepare us for the playoffs. I definitely think our goal is still to win the WPIAL title and to be the first team ever to make it to the state tournament.”
The Lady Raiders (14-1-0, 10-0-0) stretch their winning streak to 13 games and can win the section crown outright with a win in one of their final two games, either at Derry on Saturday and at McGuffey on Monday, or with a Yough loss.
“We were a little more disciplined on defense in the first half than the last time we met Yough,” Waynesburg Central coach Joe Kijowski said. “It was a little bit too run-and-gun for my liking. We were really sound on the defensive end and our mids were really good at controlling the ball. It was a real gutsy effort by our kids.”
The Lady Cougars (12-2, 9-2) were unable avenge a 7-4 home loss on Sept. 20, to Waynesburg. Yough will end its section schedule on Monday at home versus Southmoreland.
Despite winning the last meeting between the top two teams in Section 3-AA, Waynesburg allowed a season-high four goals, so defense was a key point of emphasis for the home team.
“I think after the last game we really zoned in on what Yough’s strengths are and who their best players are,” Waynesburg senior defender Elle Hampson said. “We couldn’t give them any space and we had to be ready for their speed. We did a better job of recognizing their scorers and clearing the ball out of the zone.”
Waynesburg got on the scoreboard about eight minutes into the contest with a marker by freshmen Rhea Kijowski. The goal was her 22nd of the season and the assist went to sophomore Jillian Kijowski.
The Lady Raiders stretched doubled their lead 10 minutes later when Clayton cashed in on a beautiful pass from Rhea Kijowski for her WPIAL-leading 46th goal of the year.
“It was very important to get those early goals,” Clayton said. “As soon as you get those early goals, that just energizes our team and really puts the pressure on your opponent. It definitely gives you an advantage and really builds our offense for the game.”
Both offenses had their share of scoring chances in the first half, but both keepers, Waynesburg freshman McKenzie Booth and Yough sophomore Sara Krofcheck, were solid in between the pipes. Both were credited with five saves apiece in the opening 40 minutes of action.
Sophomore Kylie Sinn gave the Lady Raiders a 3-0 cushion at the 32:35 mark of the second half with a goal that came off of an assist by Jillian Kijowski.
“It was huge to get those first goals and to play with a lead,” coach Kijowski said. “We had to get off to a good start because Yough is talented and has a lot of heart. We had to work for our goals tonight and be more creative. It was a nice job all around. My entire midfield has good shots and Kylie Sinn came up with a big goal for us in the second half.”
Less than a minute later, the Lady Cougars got on the board when freshman Natalie Vilcek broke away from her defensive zone and scored on a breakaway chance at the Waynesburg’s net.
Yough continued to push and trimmed the deficit to 3-2 after sophomore Justine Appolonia converted a free kick from 18 yards out at the 17:42 mark.
Waynesburg’s defense limited any more scoring chances for the visitors the rest of the way and Jillian Kijowski gave the Lady Raiders an insurance goal when she blasted a penalty kick with 5:37 remaining for a 4-2 advantage.
“These close games are really good for us,” Hampson said. “It’s bittersweet to win and to clinch the section title on our home field because it’s the last time we will play here. We are eager for these next couple of weeks and for the playoffs.”
Booth picked up the win for Waynesburg with five saves, while Krofcheck suffered the loss with 10 stops.
“I waited years and years to put a year on those section banners in the gym and it feels good to add two the last two seasons,” coach Kijowski said. “It was nice to win this one at home after winning the section last year at Yough. We haven’t lost a home game here the last two seasons, so to win it in front of our fans is really special.”