Saving the Day
BUTLER TWP — With all the shots headed toward Seneca Valley’s net, the team’s 1-0 edge seemed very tenuous.
In reality, the lead was in good hands ... those of junior goalkeeper Mia Humphreys.
In a span of just over two minutes in the second half, Butler pelted her with four shots. She snagged all of them to keep the Golden Tornado off the board.
The Raiders added a late goal from Kendall Walton and escaped Art Bernardi Stadium with a 2-0 section victory.
Humphreys finished the night with nine stops.
“We had some fantastic opportunities, but their goalie came up with some huge saves,” Butler coach Brittni Grenninger said. “I’m happy with our performance tonight; it doesn’t feel like a 2-0 loss. We just need to finish and make fewer mistakes in the back.”
After a scoreless first half, SV’s Sara Weigel broke the ice with a goal past Butler netminder Delaney Yaracs less than a minute into the second half.
A transfer from Central Valley, Weigel figures to be a valuable addition as the Raiders (1-0) strive to get back to the WPIAL title game. They lost to Moon there last year.
“She’s adjusting to the way we play and to playing in (Class) 4A,” said Raiders’ coach Mark Perry. “She’s headed to play in college at Robert Morris.”
Butler’s flurry of scoring chances began in the 64th minute. Leah Weiland sent a free kick from 30 yards and to the left of the net. A number of her teammates appeared to have a chance of making a play on the ball, but Humphreys came off her line, jumped and snagged the ball to thwart the threat.
Moments later, she made a leaping save near the right post, deflecting the ball out of bounds and resulting in a corner kick for Butler (0-1).
The ball was played on the ground before an entry pass to Leah Deal ended with a shot wide of the net. Two and a half minutes later, Walton scored for a 2-0 lead.
“That second goal took the wind from our sails, but Seneca Valley is a fantastic team,” said Grenninger. “We have all the pieces here to make a run into the playoffs. We’re not a deep team, but have some special players on the field.”
Yaracs made six saves in defeat.
“We didn’t shoot enough, but it’s early in the year,” said Perry.
Butler will travel to Erie Saturday to play Cathedral Prep. SV will host Fox Chapel Thursday in a continuation of a game that began Monday, but was suspended due to rain. Action will pick up with the game scoreless in the 16th minute.
