The Bobcats are back with another girls soccer season underway—and Coach Nick Crivelli says this one is promising.

“The team is looking to build off of last year’s success. We have a strong returning group of experienced players and great senior leadership,” promised Coach Crivelli.

After working hard during preseason the girls soccer team started the season two scrimmages before their real season games.

“I’m so excited for the season; I think we have so much potential this year,” said junior Gracie Turyan.

Beaver Area played Our Lady of the Sacred Heart for their first scrimmage and home game August 22.

The Bobcats beat the OLSH Chargers 7-1 in a great victory. The game included a hat trick scored by junior Marina Hahn and other goals by sophomore Sydney Chontos, sophomore Lilia Battalini, and freshman Ana Hahn.

Beaver’s second scrimmage was away at West Allegheny in a tough battle. The teams fought back and forth to finish the game in a 3-3 tie.

August 27 held the Bobcat’s first real season, non-section, game against Freedom.

The Bobcats defeated the Bulldogs 5-3.

“It was a hard game, but [I’m] happy we won,” said junior Kaitlyn Reap who plays outside back on the field.

Chontos netted another Bobcat hat trick along with two other goals scored by senior Abby Noah and junior Marina Hahn.

“All three goals were a huge team effort, and I’m so proud of everyone for giving it their best,” said Chontos regarding her hat trick.

The first section game was scheduled for August 29 at Hopewell, but the game sadly will have to be rescheduled.

The starting lineup was already announced and the National Anthem played, but as soon after the song ended, thunder struck sending the Bobcats back to the bus without getting a chance to play.

With the game at Hopewell having to be rescheduled, the first official section game was played August 31 at home.

The girls earned their first section win when they crushed Central Valley 4-1.

Battalini was awarded MVP of the match with her constant hard work throughout the game.

“We started off a little slow, but we really wanted to beat CV. The score definitely showed that and we learned not to underestimate any team,” said senior captain Noah.

Currently the girls are in the top three of the section with one section win and a 2-0-0 overall record, but they have yet to play their toughest competition: North Catholic and Avonworth.

“It’s super bittersweet going into my last year of soccer, but I love the team and I think we could definitely go far this year,” said senior captain Ana Avdellas.

“I would expect us to make some noise in the WPIAL playoffs this year. We are off to a great start with wins over always-strong Freedom and Central Valley. The girls are working hard and committed to a common goal of winning the section and a championship,” said Coach Crivelli.