Led by a three-goal performance from Sienna Zittle, the Governor Mifflin High School girls soccer team defeated Wilson in the championship game of the Berks Couinty Girls Soccer League, 4-1. The championship is the Lady Mustangs; first since 2012 and fourth in the program’s history. The Mustangs completed a three-game sweep of Daniel Boone in the quarterfinals, and Wyomissing in the semifinals.
“In August we set team goals, we believed we had the talent and team to win a division and county title,” said Mifflin head coach Ed Deren. “Winning the championship was the result of a team working hard together to accomplish this goal. We had tremendous senior leadership, Sienna Zittle, Zoe Galvin and Melissa Martin set the standard and led by example through summer workouts and pre season conditioning. Overall the championship was a complete team effort.”
Governor Mifflin will head into the district tournament undefeated with an overall record of 18-0-2. The 18th win came on Oct. 22 when they took on the Bulldogs for the Berks League title at Don Thomas Stadium at Exeter Township High School. Zittle recorded a hat trick to lead the Mustang offense that scored two goals in each half to pull out the 4-1 victory. Melissa Martin scored Mifflin’s other goal and added an assist on one of Zittle’s goals. Zoe Galvin contributed with two assists while Kamryn Bobb had one assist.
Governor Mifflin outshot the Bulldogs, 9-5, as Kyra Hartman made four saves in net for the Mustangs.
“The key to our victory was being able to apply pressure to Wilson back four defenders and playing mistake free defense in the back,” said Deren.
The Lady Mustangs began their playoff trek with a quarterfinal round match-up with Wyomissing on Oct. 17. Governor Mifflin scored four in the first half and three in the second on a comfortable 7-1 victory over the Spartans. Sienna Zittle led the Governor Mifflin offense with three goals and an assist. Melissa Martin also had three goals and Sophia Ferrero scored the other Mustang goal. Anna Werner collected two assists while Kamryn Bobb, Zoe Galvin and Gillian Maack each had one assist. Mifflin outshot the Spartans, 16-7, as Kyra Hartman made six saves in goal for the locals.
The victory sent the Lady Mustangs to the semifinal round to take on Division 1 foe Daniel Boone. Both Boone and Mifflin had identical 8-0-2 records during the regular season, tying each other in both meetings. But this time Governor Mifflin took charge of the game quickly, scoring three goal in the first half and going on to defeat the Blazers, 3-0. Werner had two goals and one assist for the winners, while Melissa Martin added a goal and one assist. Galvin was credited with an assist. The Lady Mustangs outshot Boone in the contest, 13-7, as Hartman made seven saves in goal for Governor Mifflin.
After winning the division and the league championships, the Lady Mustangs will head into the districts without a loss on their record. It’s been a great season for the Mustangs and they are hoping to continue their success in the districts.
“Our biggest reason for our team’s success this season has been the unselfish play of all team members. Every player has accepted their role and will do whatever is required for our team to be successful.
“The key to going far and being successful in district and state play; is playing consistent high level soccer. We have to maintain our focus on the little fundamentals that add up to make the biggest differences in a game. We have to play as a team and be prepared to overcome adversity.”
Stay up-to-date with high school sports at <http://papreplive.com>.
