"The Champ is here!"
The words of John Cena and Muhammad Ali resounded in the hearts and minds of the Montoursville faithful Saturday, as they watched their Warriors capture the PIAA Class AA state championship.
The Warriors earned the title by defeating South Park 3-1 on a rain-soaked Hersheypark Stadium.
Montoursville was carried by a gutsy performance from senior forward Tesa McKibben, who scored two goals, both times capitalizing on South Park mistakes. Those two misplayed balls will likely be replayed in the mind of coach Shelly Thropp and the rest of the Eagles for some time to come.
South Park's Jackie Wolf opened the scoring at 16:30 of the first half, instantly deflating the rowdy Montoursville crowd. It didn't take long for the Warriors to answer, however, as McKibben jumped on the ensuing kick and drilled a laser past South Park keeper Sydney Judkins a mere 24 seconds later.
Montoursville broke the tie in the second half when senior Emily Stubler netted what would be the championship-clinching goal at 34:17, taking a pass from forward Abbie Derone just outside the South Park box and slipping it past Judkins.
Holding strong in net for Montoursville was freshman Audra Larson, who made four saves on five shots and made some brilliant defensive grabs.
Adding an insurance goal later in the second, McKibben was clearly the MVP for Montoursville. Almost anytime she got a limb, torso or skull on the ball, the senior's poise and talent shone through, looking at many points like the best player on the field for either squad. McKibben was modest about her own efforts, preferring to speak of the Warriors' accomplishments as a whole.
"It was such an amazing experience to be able to step up and do this on this big a stage," said McKibben. "I've been using that word (amazing) all day, but it's the only word I have to describe it."
The Warriors, reached the state title game despite finishing third in the District 4 tournament.
"I think it made us stronger and come together more as a team, "said Bennett. "We played some tough teams in Loyalsock, Richland, Lewisbug, and then here against South Park. They're a great team but we put forth a fantastic effort and I'm so proud of these girls."
As the rain pounded down on Hersheypark Stadium during the second half, the Montoursville crowd grew even louder, as if braving the elements made the title win for the Warriors that much sweeter. And when the rain finally subsides, they'll still be southing in Montoursville, who can now proudly boast for all to hear: "The Champ is here!"
SP Jackie Wolf 16:30 (Julie Lindenfelser); Mtv Tesa McKibben 16:08; Mtv Emily Stubler 34:17 (Abbie Derone); Mtv Tesa McKibben 18:08
Corner kicks: South park 4, Montoursville 1. SOG: South Park 5, Montoursville 7. Goalies: South Park Sydney Judkins, 4 saves; Montoursville Audra Larson, 4 saves. Records: South Park 14-3-1, Montoursville 17-1.
