On Tuesday, Nov. 5, the Manheim Township Girls Soccer team’s season came to an end after a 1-0 loss to Conestoga in the first round of the PIAA state playoffs.
According to the players, the team poured their hearts into each practice and match, creating friendships, memories, and a sisterhood that could never be forgotten.
“I think at least with it being my senior year I had a lot of fun,” said senior captain Savannah Reed. “It was exciting winning the league and district finals. And the team is super close, we are like a family so we have had such a fun time together both playing on the field and making memories off the field too.”
Even with the season ending sooner than they had hoped, the girls still find pride in their efforts.
“At the time it’s hard to appreciate the medals and awards because what you had put so much time and effort into was suddenly over,” said senior Sophia Russinko. “With time, it gets easier to realize your accomplishments, and I am incredibly grateful to have been part of such a fun, loving, history-making team.”
The team had many accomplishments over their season this year, ending their regular season with a record of 14-2 and an overall record of 21-3. The girls became section one, Lancaster-Lebanon League (L-L) and District Three champions, leaving the 2024 season one to be remembered.
“I’ve played soccer for 12 years and this year was by far my favorite,” said senior Mya Zeigler. “The 2024 team was not only amazing on the field but was filled with the nicest and most uplifting people. Winning all but three games this season is so impressive and we fully deserved it. We worked hard everyday and really trusted each other, which was a huge part of our success. I can’t even describe the love I have for this team and am so excited to see what GSOC accomplishes next year.”
The strong bond of the team was evident when the girls played, and played a role in their success throughout the season. The trust enhanced their performance on the field, leading the girls to reach impressive heights and stats.
Senior Jordan Nguyen led the team with 24 goals total along with an average of 1.5 goals per match, earning her first team L-L all-star recognition. The team’s goalkeeper, senior Elizabeth “Biz” O’Gorman, had a total of 61 saves out of 72 shots, only allowing 11 goals throughout their entire season with an accuracy rate of 84.7%. Junior Regan Taylor also had a successful season with 11 goals and 12 assists, earning her a section one all-star award and the section MVP.
“I think this season was definitely a good building block for the next season. The past few seasons we haven’t been able to make it past the first round of states,” said Taylor. “I think next year will definitely be our year since we have spent all this time developing. Even though we are losing valuable seniors, the team culture we have built will carry us through the seasons to come and aid in our development.”
