The Northwestern girls soccer team will hold its end-of-the-season banquet on Sunday.

And despite watching their season come to an end in Tuesday's PIAA semifinals against District 1's Villa Joseph Marie, head coach Kelly Bleam and the Lady Tigers will reminisce about the program's best season ever.

Villa Joseph Marie's Murphy Agnew scored two goals, including one late in the first half, and Taylor Stevens put the game away late in the second half. It was the first time Northwestern was held scoreless this season, and the 3-0 defeat to the Jems at Exeter High School's Don Thomas Field ended the Tigers magical run.

"That will be a banquet of celebration, certainly not a banquet of sadness," head coach Kelly Bleam said. "We have a lot to celebrate this season, and that's what we need to focus on."

Tuesday's loss was the second time in as many seasons that the Tigers squared off against the Jems in the state tournament. Much like last year's 2-0 loss, which came in the quarterfinals, this year's result was much like déjà vu.

However, no other Tiger team under Bleam had advanced past the PIAA quarterfinals round. Not only did Northwestern down Greencastle-Antrim, 4-1, in that round, they were one win away from a berth in the championship game for the first time in program history.

"I'm sorry to see them go," Bleam said of her senior class. "Unfortunately, unless you win a state championship, our final moments are a little bit sad. We finished on a loss, but that's the nature of the game.

"I'm very proud to have been their coach for four years. They're great kids. Kids and family-wise, this senior class has been tremendous. I couldn't ask for a better group of kids to spend four years with."

This year's senior class, which was part of back-to-back league and district championship teams, includes Laura Hill, Sarah Segan, Lexi Gawelko, Sabrina Mertz, Angela Motolese, Rachel Fisher and Marissa Pearson.

The two sides played to a scoreless game for virtually the entire first half or Tuesday's. But a deflating strike from the Jems swung all of the momentum over to Villa Joseph Marie's side.

With 3:31 left in the first half, Morgan Gauger's throw-in reached the 18-yard box, and after hanging around momentarily in front of the net, Agnew ripped a strike passed Northwestern goalie Laura Hill for a 1-0 advantage.

"That's pretty defeating to have that happen at the end of a half," Bleam said. "It was unfortunate, unlucky if you will. They wore us down a bit there, and those moments happen. Villa capitalized."

The Jems held that one-goal lead for the next 19:31 until Agnew made her presence known again. Casey Kilchrist floated a cross in front of the Tigers' goal, and Agnew's header ended up in the left side of the net for a 2-0 lead with 24 minutes remaining.

Kilchrist then punched in the final tally with 11:58 left on the clock after a cross from Taylor Stevens set it up.

"Villa is a great team," Bleam said. "They gained their composure. Once they got themselves going and they got into their attacking positions, they did not fall short of capitalizing on their opportunities."

The Tigers certainly had their opportunities early. With a little more than 21 minutes remaining in the opening half, Sarah Segan split two Jem defenders and fed Rachel Fisher with a nice pass in front of the Villa Joseph Marie's goal. Her shot, however, ended up in goalkeeper Gretchen Frantz's hands. Seconds later, Segan ripped a left-footed strike at Frantz as well, only to come up empty for the second time in less than a minute.

In the second half, the lone Tiger attempt on goal came from Sabrina Mertz on a free kick in the final minutes.

PIAA Quarterfinal

Saturday, Nov. 8

Northwestern vs..

Greencastle-Antrim

Northwestern advanced to the PIAA semifinals with a 4-1 win over Greencastly-Antrim at Lower Dauphin Middle School last Saturday.

The Tigers had a few opportunities before opening the scoring on Sarah Segan's goal with 17:26 left in the first half.

The Blue Devils tied the game and took momentum back when their leading scorer, Ally Rudy found teammate Hannah Crist open in front of the net. Crist booted on past Tiger keeper Laura Hill to tie the game with 9:35 left in the half.

The Tigers got momentum back just over a minute before halftime when Sarah Segan centered a ball from the left corner. Lydia Danner touched the ball to Angela Motolese, who beat Greencastle goalie Jenay Faulkner to give the Tigers the lead for good.

"That was huge," said Bleam. "We missed some opportunities in the first half that we don't usually miss and I think that goal before half just really shifted momentum and we were able to carry on after the half with that same momentum. That was a huge goal."

McKenzi Divers got the Tigers a two-goal lead when she scored off a corner play, assisted by Motolese, with 28:41 left in the game.

Sabrina Mertz, who assisted on Segan's first goal, once again found her teammate for the final goal of Saturday's win to give Northwestern a 4-1 lead.

Cole, who likes to research opponents and watch any video he could find, was impressed by the Tigers' depth.

"It just wasn't [Mertz and Segan]," he said. "Up to this point in districts and PIAA, we've had to keep our eye on two kids, max. When you're dealing with five or six kids you have to keep you're eye on, it's a challenge."

The Tigers defense has been challenged several times during the postseason. Greencastle had several skilled offensive players but had very few chances.

"We knew we had to watch our for [Rudy]," said Northwestern center back Lexi Gawelko. "But our game plan was we had to put a little emphasis on her but they had so many other threats, too. We were able to keep them in check. Our defense has really been coming together in the postseason."

"I know we have some girls that get a lot of ink," said Bleam. "Honestly, this team's success is truly in the team. I know those are the words that coaches use, but it's not farce. It's the truth. All of this team contributes to our success.

"Hats off to Lexi Gawelko, our center back. What a game she had. Just terrific. And Laura Hill. I think that's the best game I've ever seen her play and this is the right time to do it."