Sep 29, 2009 3 min read

Laurel Highlands’ Reilly twins had Uniontown seeing double Monday night as the sisters had a hand in all three goals of the Fillies’ 3-2 soccer win at Bill Power Stadium. Debra Reilly had an assist and scored the tying goal while Diane Reilly scored the game winner with 16:21 to play.

The game had all the intensity that’s typical of the neighborhood rivalry in any sport between the schools as Uniontown (1-5, 2-6) took a 1-0 lead with 11:26 left in the half when Meggie Menarcheck’s corner kick set up Michelle Corolla’s goal in close.

It appeared that score would hold up at halftime until Debra Reilly’s corner kick set up Erika Gesso’s goal from close range to knot the score with 1:50 left.

The teams combined for two quick goals in a span of 40 seconds early in the second half. Debra Reilly got a shot past charging keeper Sarah Mayse and the ball rolled into the corner of the open net 12:22 into the half. Uniontown answered when Menarcheck’s corner kick set up Jill Grena to knot the score at 2-2 at the 13:02 mark.

It stayed that way until the Fillies made a charge after the midway point of the half. Diane Reilly sent a long shot into the net from a side angle to give the Fillies the 3-2 lead.

The Lady Raiders responded with several near misses as keeper Laura Wilson came out of the net several times to stop possible breakaway chances by Kim Natural. With 2:31 left, Menarcheck set up Natural in front and her header went just wide of the net.

Uniontown’s Krista Jackson also missed just wide with 20 seconds left.

The game was played with only one official while intermittent winds and showers played tricks with the ball on several occasions.

For Laurel Highlands (3-4, 4-6), Amanda Parker shadowed Natural for most of the game. Coach Al Dubois said Parker “is an all-around player and she’s very unselfish.”

Dubois said the game was everything he expected. “It was a typical Uniontown-Laurel Highlands cross-town rivalry. I wouldn’t expect anything less. The girls on both teams played their hearts out.”

Dubois added, “The Menarcheck boys are doing a great job with Uniontown.”

Likewise, Brittany Kulenovic, Jozie Squib and Abbie Altman played well on defense for the Lady Raiders.

Uniontown coach Scott Menarcheck said he wouldn’t let the tough loss discourage his team. “Basically, I’ll tell them that the wins will come and we have to keep working. I’ve seen major improvement in the last year and we continue to improve.”

He added, “The next time we want to try to give Laurel Highlands a run for its money.”