Christmas came really early for the Beaver Area High School girls soccer team as they unexpectedly make playoffs after thinking their season had ended.

The lady Bobcats were 2-5-3 in section this year and unfortunately were only one goal short of having a playoffs spot—until the unexpected happened.

Quaker Valley High School had to be shut down due to a coronavirus outbreak, leaving both their boys’ and girls’ soccer teams out of playoffs. But for the lady Bobcats, the Quakers’ loss was a great opportunity.

The girls would now be taking Quaker Valley’s spot in the 2A playoff bracket.

“This is unfortunate for Quaker Valley, and I feel badly for them, but it was a lucky break for us and we are going to make the most of it! I believe we can compete well with the competition in playoffs if we show up, are focused, and play like we know how to play. We play in a tougher 2A section and play good competition out of section, so I think we will be ready for whatever is thrown at us,” shared Assistant Coach Grant Mundy.

This is the first time in nearly five years Beaver Area girls soccer has appeared in post-season play. As the bracket results came out, the lady Bobcats anxiously waited to see who their opponent would be, to find out later they would take on powerhouse South Park High School in the first round.

The South Park Eagles were 10-0-0 this season and were ranked the number one seed in the WPIAL class 2A section, while the lady Bobcats were ranked 16. But this was not stopping the girls from working their hardest to play the best they could.

October 27 the girls traveled to South Park High School, nervous, yet excited to take on the first round of playoffs. The score unfortunately did not reflect the hard work the girls displayed on the field. Sadly, the Christmas magic ran out. A 2-0 loss ended the season once and for all.

While the girls were heartbroken, they were beyond proud of each other for never giving up this year.

See you next season!