The Beaver Area High School girls soccer team began their season despite the pandemic that continues to take the world by storm.

For the first time in nearly five years, the girls remain under the same coaching staff: Head Coach Nick Crivelli and Assistant Coach Grant Mundy—continuity greatly appreciated in a program that has seen too many coaches come and go.

While they aren’t necessarily a young team, these ladies are a young varsity team since most of their starting line-up didn’t see varsity time until last season.

“I am very confident in our team. I trust every one of on the field. They work hard and understand how [Coach Mundy] and I want our team to play,” shared Coach Crivelli. “I think we will contend for a playoff spot, but our section is the toughest in 2A. There are no easy games this season; every game is it’s own battle.”

This year’s captains, senior Maegan Martin and juniors Lindsay Sullivan and Sara Majors, are ready to lead the team into a great season.

“I’m excited for the season we have ahead, and I’m excited to lead with my co-captains Sara and Lindsay. I know we are going to have a great season,” said Martin, the only senior on the team this year.

This year's starting line-up looks promising: senior Martin, juniors Julia Pizzella, Caroline Samchuck, Jadyn Elliot, Elle Ray, and Majors. Sophomores Abby Noah, Ana Avdellas, Katarina Eck, and Hailey Tooch, along with freshman Marina Hahn round out the squad.

And promising it was. The girls began their season playing Our Lady of Sacred Heart High School in a scrimmage August 29 and came out the winners after winning in penalty kicks (PK’s) 6-4.

Freshman Madeline Boser had the only goal of the game for the Bobcats, not including the PK’s.

“Going into the game I didn’t think I’d even get playing time let alone score a goal! It was a great way to start my season, and it made me feel more comfortable with the team. It definitely made all my nerves go away,” exclaimed Boser.

Next up the girls played Quaker Valley in their season opener at home September 15, ending in a double-overtime tie 1-1.

“[The game] was definitely a battle. Both teams were aggressive and played their hearts out until the last minute of the very long game. Maegan [Martin] had an incredible goal that kept us in the game and our defense played outstandingly. Our offense has had immense improvement and are starting to play more as a unit. I’m really proud of how far we have come since preseason,” Avdellas shared about the game.

While the girls are already looking good, they have a tough season ahead of them with a few new section changes.

“I think we’re going to face some challenges with the changes in our section, but we’ve worked really hard this summer to prepare for it. I expect us to win quite a few games and hopefully make the playoffs,” predicted Sullivan.

Our lady Bobcats play tonight at home against Avonworth at 7:30 p.m. But no matter how promising the season looks, our lady Bobcats need your support this season, even if it’s not the same. You can support our soccer team by watching the games live by creating your free account at https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/users/sign_up.

Watch the girls soccer team and more for free from the comfort and safety of your home, all you have to do is make an account.