Hornets Shut Out Williamson In D4 Quarterfinals

By: Ed Weaver | PIAA District IV | October 29, 2023 | Photo courtesy Elijah Cothran

The Wellsboro Boys Soccer finally got the best of Williamson in their third match of the season, shutting them out 3-0 in the quarterfinal round of the District IV Class 2A playoffs at Balls Mills on Saturday, October 28.

Wellsboro lost the season opener 2-1 to the Warriors and played to a 0-0 draw the beginning of October.

"We had in the back of our minds that this was the one team in the league that we hadn't beat so we wanted to come down and execute to really solidify ourselves as the NTL champions," head coach Todd Fitch said after the win. "They locked us down in the second half so for us to come out strong in the first half with the three goals, but it also helped us settle in and play."

The Hornets got off to a quick start, netting a goal by senior Caden Smith just under 10 minutes in. Roughly five minutes later Wellsboro increased the lead to 2-0 as junior Jack Bryant was credited with a Williamson own goal after crossing the ball in front of the net.

Smith struck again with 20:08 remaining in the opening half off a pass from junior Micaiah Fitch.

Neither team scored in the second half.

Wellsboro out shot Williamson 15-5 and senior Mitchell Butler (4 saves) and sophomore Camden Tom combined for a clean sheet in goal. The Hornets also had a 7-4 advantage in corner kicks.

The NTL champion Hornets (15-3-1) now turn their attention to Midd-West, who upset top-seeded Milton 3-1 at a site, time and location to be determined. Last year, Midd-West eliminated Wellsboro in the quarterfinals.

"We're excited to get another shot at Midd-West," Fitch concluded. "They're always a good team and they're a good team in the post-season. We know we have our work cut out for us, so we'll do what we can to prepare and look forward to the opportunity."

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