Wyo vs. Wilson a dream match-up in BCIAA girls soccer championship
By Jason Guarente — MikeDragoSports senior correspondent
The matchup has been anticipated since girls soccer teams first gathered in August: Wilson vs. Wyomissing. Was there really any other way to end Berks County’s season?
Those two powerhouses will finally share the same field in the BCIAA championship game at Tulpehocken Thursday at 5:30 p.m. Six returning All-Berks players, and potentially three All-State selections, will be in action.
One county champ will be crowned.
“I think everybody has been waiting for this game,” Wyomissing defender Charlotte Lazarchick-Oberti said. “I think it’s going to be an exciting game to watch and to play.”
No. 2 Wyomissing (19-0), the top-ranked team in Class 2A, is the defending champ and the only team other than Central Dauphin that’s undefeated in District 3. None of the expectations or preseason hype slowed down the Spartans.
Eight of the 11 starters returned, including All-Berks selections Hannah Hurleman, Izzy Marshall, Cadi Hoke and Sam Donahue.
“Obviously we have the talent,” Wyo coach Rachel Hoffman said. “We have the majority of our team back. We have quality subs coming off the bench. It’s going to be a very tough game. We just have to make sure we’re ready mentally and emotionally.”
Hurleman has 29 goals, tied for second in Berks behind Daniel Boone’s Anna Buckwalter. Marshall has 20 goals and freshman Sophia Zeppos has 18. Hoke has eight goals and eight assists. It’s an embarrassment of riches on offense.
“I think in a lot of ways they’re better this year,” Wilson coach Tim Fick said. “They’re without a doubt a district and state contender. They’re just that good.”
Top-seeded Wilson has its own collection of stars. Natalee Vicari matches Hurleman with 29 goals to go with 15 assists.
Elizabeth Estrada has 13 goals and a league-leading 20 assists.
The Player of the Year will almost certainly come out of this game. That honor might be determined by the result.
Wilson (18-1-1), ranked third in District 3 Class 4A, won back-to-back titles before Wyomissing wrestled away the crown with a 1-0 victory in last year’s final. For the seniors, including Vicari and Estrada, this is a chance for a third gold medal.
“This tournament is pressure training for districts,” Fick said. “Obviously we want to win counties. Everybody does in Berks County. But that’s not always the measuring stick for us. We need to prepare for districts. We’re a big school in a predominantly small school county.”
Wyomissing has outscored opponents 94-17. Wilson has outscored them 89-15. Dating back to last season, these teams are a combined 69-4-1 when they don’t face each other.
How could they not meet in the final?
“I feel like if we didn’t, it would have still been a question,” Marshall said. “Who would have won this year?”
There’s no need to wonder. The answer is coming soon.
