Friday’s win over Pleasant Valley demonstrated once again that the Whitehall girls soccer team is finding ways to win, and that’s enabled them to stay undefeated so far this season.

It took two overtimes, but the Zephyrs connected for the winning goal around four minutes into the second extra session, giving them their ninth win of the season. The Zephyrs have played three overtime matches to date, prevailing in each one to keep their record unblemished.

Forward Kate Bonshak said that Kylie Saliby’s cross was right on target, allowing her to chip it toward the goal in one motion with her left foot. That pass found Elissar Khalil who nudged it past the Bears’ keeper for the game-winner.

With the win, the Zephyrs stay firmly planted atop the Skyline Division of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference. They hold t a two-game advantage over both Parkland and Nazareth at this juncture (9/24).

While it was another victory, Bonshak said that they didn’t play their best game. She said that there was lots of room for improvement among everyone involved, and that reality was recognized after the game.

“We are each hoping to fix that individually, to be able to come together and be better as a team,” said Bonshak. “We have heavy weighted expectations on our backs, which is somewhat new to each of us. We need to learn how to handle it. Mentally and physically things need to be better from each of us, so focusing on that will be key this week.”

The defense was solid for the Zephs with Grace Clary turning away four shots to preserve the win.

Bonshak has now scored 13 goals, including two hat tricks. The junior said that she’s been able to adapt to whatever’s tossed at her, paving the way for those big scoring numbers.

“I believe the key has been to deal with any situation handed to me in each game,” said Bonshak. “Each game is different in multiple ways, so learning how to handle what is dealt to me individually, and all of us as a team, has been the mentality that has worked. In the moments of goals, my teammates are there for me to work toward scoring. and I am able to do my part in the situation.”

The Zephyrs have three games scheduled this week, as they look to extend their streak against East Stroudsburg South, Easton and Dieruff.

THE BOYS dropped a game to Eastburg South, 4-2 on Tuesday. WHS led 2-1 in the second half but allowed three-straight goals.

Jake Gier scored to tie the game at 1-1 and then put Whitehall ahead 2-1 with his second. Kresstoph Whittick and Aziz Atiyeh both picked assists in the loss.