Keiser lifts Wildcats past Trinity

April 20, 2008 | Leave a Comment

April 20, 2008

Megan Keiser’s overtime shot on the Trinity goal nearly missed its target. The shot rang off the goal post.

But close was good enough this time for the Mechanicsburg forward — the ball glanced off the post and into the Shamrocks net to lift the Wildcats to a 3-2 victory in their booster club tournament Saturday.“

It bounced off the post, a goal is a goal,” said Keiser. “It was our fifth game this week and it was a big win for us.”

Mechanicsburg shut out Central Dauphin East 4-0 in the opening round game while the Shamrocks knocked off Hamburg 3-2. Hamburg scored in overtime to edge the Panthers 2-1 in the consolation game.

Mechanicsburg took an early 1-0 lead in the title tilt as Ariel Arnold split two defenders and beat the keeper to a loose ball and knocked it home.

Trinity (8-2-1 overall) rallied and scored the tying goal less than two minutes later as Allison Insley sent in a ball from the left wing and Katie Lenz hit it with the outside of her foot past Wildcat keeper Nikki Keiser to even the game.

Jodie Zelenky had a chance to give the Wildcats another lead as her low kick short-hopped Shamrock keeper Heather Schultz but the rebound shot was wide-left. Zelenky did figure in the next goal as her corner kick was nodded home by fellow freshman Ali Matisse to give the Wildcats a lead at the 15-minute mark.

Mechanicsburg had two opportunities early in the second half as Zelenky fed Megan Keiser who in turn fed Zelenky, but both shots were just outside the post as Schultz had no chance on either shot.

Defender Jen Siler cleared a ball from behind the keeper as a cross came through the crease.

In the second half, Rachael Holt drew the unenviable task of marking Wildcat star Alex Brandt. While the Wildcats didn’t assign anybody in particular to mark Lenz, the defense was constantly reminded to mark her when she was in the area. Lenz had a great chance to equal the game late as she beat her defender and went in one-on-one with Mechanicsburg goalkeeper Nikki Keiser. The goalie forced Lenz to take a shot from the side and her low kick beat Keiser, but clanked off the goal post and caromed out to Payge Alexander, who cleared it out of danger.

Alexander missed the start of the game because she was in Maryland playing in a state Cup game, but arrived in time and proved to be a constant thorn in the side of the Shamrock attack.

Moments after Lenz hit the post, Alicia Mirando tied the contest, slipping a cross from Insley into the net and sending the contest to overtime.

Alie Zelenky had a key defensive play for the Wildcats, redirecting a blast by Nicole Mahaffey over the end line for a Shamrock corner.

At the other end of the field, Schultz came up with the save of the game moments later as she sprawled out to tip a shot by Arnold wide left.

Keiser, who is headed to East Stroudsburg to play soccer, ended the contest as she ricocheted a ball off the post and into the cage. The play was set up by Brandt who turned the corner and dribbled the baseline and sent a ball across the crease area.

“It was a good game back and forth. They are used to playing forty minutes and we are not,” said Shamrocks head coach Terry Mull. “That was their fifth game this week. It was a good game for us-a challenging game for us and we are not going to see speed like that in the AA tournament.”

“This was a good win for us,” said Mechanicsburg head coach Tony Lougee. “It has been a long week. It is our fifth game but we’ll take it.

“I think we did what we needed to do tonight. It was great for our kids to come back in overtime to get that goal.”

Mechanicsburg (11-4) clinched a District 3 tournament bid by winning the tournament opener against C.D. East. Jodie Zelenky tallied a goal and added two assists. Megan Keiser, Alex Brandt and Ali Matisse scored for the Wildcats who held the Panthers to one shot on goal.

Trinity used goals from Katie Lenz, Alicia Mirando and Caroline Ruminski to build a 3-0 lead and held off a Hamburg squad that tallied two goals in the middle of the second half. They had several opportunities to score the equalizer but couldn’t capitalize.

Mechanicsburg travels to Hershey on Tuesday. Trinity returns home to host Camp Hill on Monday.

2008 Booster Club All-Tournament Team

Alex Brandt, Mechanicsburg; Ali Matisse, Mechanicsburg; Jodie Zelenky, Mechanicsburg; Megan Keiser, Mechanicsburg; Cara McCormick, Trinity; Katie Lenz, Trinity; Alicia Mirando, Trinity; Rachael Holt, Trinity; Gillian Dolen, C.D. East; Nicole Miller, C.D. East; Mollie Delp, C.D. East; Sami Given, C.D. East; Jenna Moyer, Hamburg; Kelsey Neppes, Hamburg; Denise Thomas, Hamburg; Haley Vollmer, Hamburg.

By Jeffrey Kauffman; Sentinel Reporter

Posted by admin | Filed Under Current News, Wildcats News 

Hershey slips by Mechanicsburg

April 4, 2008 | Leave a Comment

A steady rain made everything slick at Northside Elementary in Mechanicsburg on Thursday.

None more important than the soccer ball that left Hershey forward Caroline Brown’s foot in the last five minutes of regulation.

Brown’s shot was blocked by Mechanicsburg sophomore goalkeeper Nikki Keiser but slipped through her hands for the game-deciding goal, lifting the Trojans past the Wildcats 2-1.

That winning shot wasn’t the only time Brown had a significant impact on Thursday’s game. The sophomore set the tone for the entire game just 51 seconds into the first half ��“ her goal on a straight shot from the right side, assisted by teammate Riliegh McHugh, gave Hershey an early lead.

Trojans head coach Jeff Rosensteel admitted the early cushion gave his side some confidence. The Hershey defense prevented any early Mechanicsburg breakaways, giving its offense ample opportunities to extend the lead.

But even though the Trojans were prepared for the Wildcats’ quick game play, the speed generated by Mechanicsburg was more than Rosensteel had planned on.

“Their quickness in the back … we knew they were quick in the back but they really had us off balance in the first half, big time.”

Hershey finished with just four first-half shots and two corner kicks.

Meanwhile, the Wildcat offense slowly wore away at the Trojans.

Almost every breakaway attempt by Mechanicsburg forwards Megan Keiser and Jodie Zelenky ended with Hershey defensive back Nikki Onorato. The Trojan junior played deep enough, and was fast enough, to keep up with the Wildcat forwards.

Finally, Megan Keiser put Mechanicsburg on the board with just 18 seconds left in the first half when Zelenky recovered a deflected Wildcat corner opportunity and sent a ball to the left side of the Hershey goal. Keiser put a head on the ball past Trojans reserve goalie Shannon Fedyk.

“(The Trojans) are about the best defense there is,” said Mechanicsburg head coach Tony Lougee. “We did everything humanly possible to (score).”

After being out-shot (6-4) and out-cornered (8-2) in the first half, Hershey clamped down on the Wildcats’ offense in the second. In fact, Mechanicsburg didn’t register its first shot of the second half until the 68th minute — 27:10 into the second — when a straight shot by Alex Brandt was snagged by Hershey starting goalie Katie Wagner.

With Onorato shutting down the Mechanicsburg forwards, Brandt was literally the Wildcats’ offensive attack in the second half, registering all three of her team’s shots in the final 40 minutes, including a knock that rang off the crossbar in the 70th minute.

Though the shot dropped in front of the goal, Mechanicsburg couldn’t push it across for the deciding goal.

“I thought we turned a little bit around in the second half,” said Rosensteel. “Their shot off the crossbar, of course that was huge, too.”

This time, it was the Trojans’ offensive pressure that slowly wore away the Mechanicsburg defense Hershey out-shot the Wildcats 7-3 in the second half, culminating in Brown’s game-winning strike.

By Tom Ash; Sentinel Reporter; tash@cumberlink.com

Posted by admin | Filed Under Current News, Wildcats News 

Hershey downs Mechanicsburg 2-1

April 3, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Caroline Brown scored two goals — the second with five minutes remaining in the second half — and Kate Wagner made five saves as Hershey turned aside Mechanicsburg 2-1 in Mid-Penn Keystone Division girls’ soccer action Thursday night at Northside Elementary.

The victory was the sixth straight for the Trojans (6-0, 2-0), who are angling for their second straight Keystone Division crown.

Megan Keiser accounted for the lone goal for the Wildcats (5-1, 3-1), scoring with 18.4 seconds to go before the halftime break.

By Michael Bullock; The Patriot News

Posted by admin | Filed Under Current News, Wildcats News 

GIRLS’ SOCCER: MID-PENN KEYSTONE PREVIEW

April 3, 2008 | Leave a Comment

GETTYSBURG Warriors

Coach: Chad Wright. 2007 record: 5-10-1 (4-7-1 division).

Counterattacks: A lengthy run in the state basketball tournament caused the Warriors to start slowly, but Wright hopes his group won’t suffer through a repeat of 2007. Williams, an athletic handful up top, and Jacobs, a possible NCAA Division I recruit in goal, likely won’t let that happen. Will need to generate some balance offensively.

Top returnees: Katie Williams (sr STR, 16g, 5a, first-team all-star), Sarah Hoffman (sr MF, 1g, 3a, second-team all-star), Katie Jacobs (sr GK, 2 shutouts), Jordyn Newman (sr STR, 7g, 0a), Mia Rawleigh (so MF, 0g, 7a), Kelsey Shaffer (jr MF, 0g, 0a), Allison Rostad (sr DEF, 0g, 1a), Brittany Johnstone (sr DEF, 0g, 0a), Emily Clark (sr DEF, 0g, 0a), Lyssa White (so DEF, 0g, 0a), Rachel Rudisill (sr MF, 1g, 0a).

HERSHEY Trojans

Coach: Jeff Rosensteel. 2007 record: 18-6 (10-2 division). Reached District 3-AAA consolation semifinals.

Counterattacks: Anything less than a state bid will be a major disappointment for the Trojans, who won the Keystone and just missed the PIAA playoffs. Hershey easily is the Keystone’s most balanced side. While Brown appears ready to make a serious impact, the innovative Jones has an endless supply of tricks. Can you say Keystone repeat?

Top returnees: Sarah Malpezzi (sr DEF/MF, 3g, 2a, first-team all-star), Nikki Onorato (jr DEF, 1g, 1a, second-team all-star), Bree Orth (sr STR, 8g, 8a, second-team all-star), Chrissy Cantore (sr MF/STR, 0g, 0a in ‘06), Emily Briggs (jr DEF, 0g, 1a), Daylene Castaldi (jr MF, 2g, 1a), Kendra Jones (jr MF, 7g, 6a), Lindsay McNeal (jr STR, 10g, 3a), Arielle Weil (jr DEF, 0g, 0a), Ali Rogers (jr DEF, 0g, 1a), Caroline Brown (so MF, 12g, 8a), Rileigh McHugh (so DEF, 1g, 3a), Casey Boyer (so DEF, 4g, 4a), Kate Wagner (jr GK, Hershey had 11 shutouts in ‘07). Top newcomers: Molly Briggs (fr STR), Allysa Voelmle (fr DEF), Carrie Cin (fr DEF).

LOWER DAUPHIN Falcons

Coach: Randy Behney. 2007 record: 10-5-1 (9-2-1 division). Reached District 3-AAA playoffs.

Counterattacks: Lauren Alwine, LD’s incredibly talented striker, is headed next to the University of Virginia. For those who have yet to catch one of her high-octane performances: GO SEE HER PLAY. Of course, the hard-working Diamond also is capable of springing free for a timely finish. How a rebuilt D fares will be the ultimate key to LD’s success. Will challenge.

Top returnees: Lauren Alwine (sr STR, 8g, 8a, Keystone Division co-player of the year, all-state, NSCAA All-American), Carrie Diamond (jr MF, 13g, 6a, first-team all-star), Sarah Black (jr MF, 3g, 0a, second-team all-star), Steph Meador (sr DEF, 0g, 1a), Chelsea Miller (sr MF, 0g, 0a), Alex Volovar (sr STR, 1g, 0a). Top newcomers: Rachel Stohler (sr STR), Ellen Legro (jr MF), Olivia Olt (so DEF), Kaitlyn Plouse (so DEF), Brianna White (so STR), Emma Dahmus (so STR), Taylor Alwine (fr GK), Alanna Dunkle (fr STR), Caity Fox (fr MF).

MECHANICSBURG Wildcats

Coach: Tony Lougee. 2007 record: 14-6-1 (8-3-1 division). Reached District 3-AAA round of 16.

The big picture: Searching for a club that should be extremely entertaining? Lougee’s potent Wildcats might be the one. With the technically superior Brandt and the high-pitched Megan Keiser, Mechanicsburg already sported plenty of offense. Stitch in Zelenky and Matisse and the tach jumps a few hundred RPMs. Defensive issues need to be solved, but these folks will be fun to watch.

Counterattacks: Alex Brandt (jr MF, 9g, 8a, Keystone Division co-player of the year, all-state), Payge Alexander (jr DEF, 3g, 0a, first-team all-star), Nicole Keiser (so GK, 0g, 1a, 4 shutouts, second-team all-star), Megan Keiser (sr STR, 8g, 4a), Ariel Arnold (so MF, 3g, 0a), Jen Siler (jr DEF, 0g, 0a), Krissa Saultz (sr DEF, 0g, 0a), Alie Zelenky (jr MF, 1g, 0a). Top newcomers: Jody Zelenky (fr STR), Ali Matisse (fr MF), Rachel Hutchinson (sr MF).

MIDDLETOWN Blue Raiders

Coach: Chris Hunter. 2007 record: 11-9-1 (3-8-1 division). Reached District 3-AA round of 16.

Counterattacks: While it only seems that Brennan has been perched in the crease since Y2K, the talented netminder finally is winding down her career. If Stewart can punch a few holes in opposing defenses, a thin Middletown side will give plenty of people fits in its last Keystone run before relocating to the Capital. A 3-AA invite is possible.

Top returnees: Kelly Brennan (sr GK, 7 shutouts, first-team all-star), Bre Stewart (jr STR, 8g, 4a, second-team all-star), Mandee Rados (sr DEF, 2g, 1a), Lauren Ciccocioppo (sr MF, 0g, 1a), Megan Frailey (jr MF, 4g, 0a). Top newcomers: Emileigh Lloyd (fr GK).

NORTHERN Polar Bears

Coach: Mindy Smith. 2007 record: 6-11-2 (3-9 division).

The big picture: The Polar Bears are desperately trying to crank up the attack and post some offensive numbers. Northern rang up just 12 Keystone scores in ‘07 — with five of those goals coming in one game. No wonder Smith is counting on a handful of sophomores to bring pop to a Polar Bears O. Keep an eye on Adams, a big, athletic keeper who can really play.

Counterattacks: Cait Shanahan (sr DEF, 2g, 0a), Danielle Kauffman (jr DEF, 0g, 0a), Jaycie Walton (sr STR, 5g, 4a), Brittany Adams (jr GK, 5 shutouts), Dani Cappellett (jr MF, 3g, 0a), Morgan DeLuca (sr STR, 1g, 0a), Rachael Hurst (sr DEF, 0g, 1a), Molly Veres (jr DEF, 0g, 0a). Top newcomers: Maegan Boucher (so MF), Alicia Frey (so STR), Jess Lowery (so MF), Shannon Casey (so MF), Taylor Nilson (so MF).

PALMYRA Cougars

Coach: Garfield De Silva. 2007 record: 8-10-2 (2-8-2 division).

Counterattacks: De Silva found some talented athletes waiting when he checked into Palmyra, but injecting a winning attitude may be his first priority. Generating balance in the attack to aid the dangerous Cooper would be another plus. Potentially explosive group that could cause plenty of damage.

Top returnees: Molly Cooper (jr STR, 12g, 2a, first-team all-star), Chelsi Jefferies (sr STR, 8g, 5a, second-team all-star), Liz Tena (sr DEF, 1g, 2a), Amanda Sotack (sr DEF, 2g, 0a), Maddie Mitchell (so MF, 2g, 2a), Kaitlyn Hogue (so STR, 0g, 0a), Lindsay Bowman (so MF, 2g, 3a), Casey Behrendt (so GK, 0g, 1a, 2 shutouts), Rosie Keys (so DEF, 2g, 0a). Top newcomer: Kaitlin Soucey (fr MF).

Posted by admin | Filed Under Current News, Wildcats News 

Michael Bullock’s Girls’ Soccer Keystone picks

April 3, 2008 | Leave a Comment

1. Hershey…. Balanced side that can beat you many, many ways.

2. Lower Dauphin…. Alwine’s presence makes LD a legitimate threat.

3. Mechanicsburg…. Lougee’s newest Wildcats will add plenty of pop.

4. Gettysburg…. Williams fuels the O … Jacobs handles the D.

5. Palmyra…. New skipper has Cougars cranked up and rolling.

6. Middletown…. Last Keystone dance for Hunter’s Blue Raiders.

7. Northern…. Polar Bears figure to struggle offensively … again.

Posted by admin | Filed Under Current News, Wildcats News 

Mechanicsburg claws W-boro

April 1, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Mechanicsburg, Pa. -Waynesboro’s varsity girls soccer team continued its early season road trip with more struggles. The Maidens (2-2-1) were blasted by Mechanicsburg, 6-2, in a Mid-Penn crossover game on Monday.

The weather was a heavy mist for the entire game. Mechanicsburg scored its first goal of the night by utilizing quickness in beating the Waynesboro defense.

In the fourth minute, a ball was let through by the middle of the defense, and as Maiden keeper Camelia Montoy came out to play it, Megan Keiser touched the ball by her for the opening goal.

In the eighth minute, things looked the same but this time the Wildcat attack came from the right when Alex Brandt sent a ball down with Keiser touching it past a charging Montoy for her second of three goals on the night.

The Maidens didn’t quit, and rallied back in the 10th minute when Michal Sanders crossed the ball to a wide open Leann Sebald in the middle of the field. Sebald took the ball down into the box, one on one with Wildcat keeper Nicole Keiser, and scored low right.

Maidens tie

In the 24th minute, Sanders found herself down the left side of the field. After beating a couple defenders, she set herself for a shot and tied the score at 2-2.

Waynesboro’s aggressive play ended up hurting it twice before halftime. The first was a direct kick from Jodie Zelenky, slipping through the outstretched hand of Montoy in the 26th minute from 40 yards out.

The final goal of the half came as a foul was called with 10 seconds to play. The ball was cleared away but a new one was grabbed from the sideline, set down by Zelenky and shot from 25 yards out, finding the back of the net with three tenths left on the clock.

The play of the Maidens did pick up in the second half but to no avail. Waynesboro put one shot off the crossbar and another high on a one-on-one with the keeper from six yards out.

Mechanicsburg ended the game with two more goals; one by Ali Matisse on a header off a corner and another on Keiser’s third goal.

Montoy ended with eight saves for the Maidens, while N. Keiser had three for Mechanicsburg. Waynesboro had eight shots with five on goal and two corners to 25 shots, 15 on goal and seven corners for the Wildcats.

In the junior varsity game, Mechanicsburg won, 5-1. C.C. Hough scored Waynesboro’s only goal.

Waynesboro plays its first home game of the season, tonight against Mid-Penn Capital foe Boiling Springs. Varsity plays at 6:45 p.m. Jayvees play at 5:15 p.m.

The Record Herald

Posted by admin | Filed Under Current News, Wildcats News