The deck appeared to be stacked against the Northern women’s soccer team heading into 2024.

New coach. New players. New classification. Much was different from the 2023 season in which the program won a District 3 title.

But the polar bears decided to change their mind.

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The No. 4 seed Polar Bears, in their first season in the 4A classification in the District 3 playoffs, posted their biggest win of the season Tuesday night, defeating the No. 1 seed and defending district champion , Central Dauphin, 2-1 through a heroic play by a star freshman to advance to the 4A championship game.

That’s how Northern did it.

the stars

Junior Allison Bechtel and freshman Ava Ondecko were the two goal scorers for the Bears. Andrea Black had both assists, while Tae Townsend had some shots on goal.

Claire Youtzy had a good game in net recording six saves.

Jazmine Zakhar scored Central Dauphin’s only goal off a pass from Nadia Acri.

Decisive moments of the game

Northern struggled early, but the game felt tilted towards the Rams, and it felt even more so when Acri lifted a perfect pass to Zakhar, who jumped and shot to score in the 19th minute.

But slowly something started to happen as the game progressed: Northern started to create more and more chances.

Townsend began to amp up the pressure, using his speed to break through the CD defense and create looks.

Ultimately, that pressure resulted in the decisive advancewith Bechtel receiving a pass from Black after a turnover to tie the game 1-1 with 13 minutes remaining.

Northern continued to advance and Townsend looked good again with seven seconds left.

But the biggest play of the night would come with a free kick, which Black took, recovered a deflection and crossed into the box, which Ondecko jumped and headed in to give Northern the lead.

Central Dauphin would have one last chance, with Erika Murphy winning a free throw with over a minute left. But Northern’s wall in front forced a high shot, and the Polar Bears would take the win.

Next

The Polar Bears head to Landis Field on Saturday for the District 3 4A championship game, where they will take on No. 2 seed Manheim Township.

Central Dauphin has qualified for states and will now await its matchup for the first match.

they said it

“I’m just going to say (I was feeling) joy. After last season there were many unknowns. All we knew was that we were going to be the hardest workers we could be. Our hard work is showing a lot recently. It is a moment to be proud of.” – Northern’s Andrew Black on the emotions of winning the semifinal against Central Dauphin

“For me, it’s just excitement. Last year I wasn’t on the field to do anything. I was in the stands watching. “Seeing all the girls win last year and doing so amazing, it motivates me to do as (well) as they did last year.” – North’s Ava Ondecko on having the opportunity to contribute as a freshman to another North district finalist

“It seems like we’re still doing it. Yes, we are still in that position. And as the girls in the midfield here say after the games, they don’t lower their heads, they don’t lower their shoulders, they just keep fighting. They just face that adversity head on. And they are persistent, they just don’t stop.” – Northern head coach Keith Munshower on his team’s ability to maintain composure late in games.

“Maybe it’s too early to tell. I think we are licking our wounds a little. So I think we just need to regroup, find that ‘Our season’s not over’ mentality. You know, we still have states to go, so maybe the road will be easier, maybe it will be as difficult as it has been in the past, but I think we just need to lick our wounds a little bit.” – Central Dauphin head coach Chris Jones talks about how his team will try to bounce back from the heartbreaking loss.

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