Just four years into having a varsity program, the team went 17-5 and were co-champions of the West Branch. A year later in 1997, Laura Anderson became the first Spartan to be named all-state on a team with a 46-girl roster.

Hughesville won three league titles between 1996-99 and by 2002, reached the state tournament for the first time.

Despite all the numerous league titles, individual accolades among players and District 4 playoff appearances — more than 16 and counting — one thing the Spartans never saw was a District 4 championship game.

CHRIS MANNING/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Hughesville's Abby Tripoli heads a ball against Troy on Monday.

On Thursday, that changes.

Hughesville beat Troy on Monday night at Loyalsock, 4-0, in the District 4 Class AA semifinals and is appearing in the program’s first-ever district championship game. Getting to this point has been the goal since the year began and playing a tough schedule has helped prepare the Spartans to get to this point.

“It will be exciting to compete (for a title),” Hughesville coach Cody Hack said.

This year’s team also tied the program record for mst wins in a season (15), a mark they matched last year.

“These ladies have battled all year, and honestly, are quite deserving of the accomplishment,” Hack said. “Being the first Hughesville girls soccer team with this opportunity is a great honor, and I hope that sticks with these ladies for the rest of their lives.”

CHRIS MANNING/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Hughesville's Alli Anstadt celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against Troy on Monday in the District 4 Class AA semifinals.

The team Hughesville lines up against on Thursday is Central Columbia, the two-time defending PIAA Class AA champions and a team the Spartans battled earlier ths year. Hack knows the Blue Jays are an extremely tough and talented team.

“We battled them early this year and unfortunately, came out on the wrong end. We want to play good teams because that is what makes you better, and not just as soccer players,” Hack said. “Hopefully it will be an exciting match.”

The Spartans have blanked two straight opponents in districts, first shutting out a talented Montorusville team, 1-0, in the quarterfinals before earning a 4-0 win over second-seeded Troy in the semifinals to get to the district final. And Hughesville’s excited to be tasting the state tournament. The last time the Spartans reached states, none of the players on the team were born yet.

“We get to all go through this together. That’s been our credo all along. Stay the course, play like you know how to play, win or lose,” Hack said. “The atmosphere will be different, but at the end of the day, it’s still an 80-minute soccer game.”

The 2024 team will be able to etch its name into history, win or lose on Thursday. Getting to a district final for the first time puts every player on the roster on a level by themselves and help set the bar for future players to achieve.

CHRIS MANNING/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Hughesville's Ava Snyder heads the ball during Monday's District 4 Class AA semifinal game against Troy.

“Some of them got a taste of the tournament last year in basketball, and that might be beneficial for us,” Hack said. “Their leadership on and off the field has been great all season, and also has built us better for the future.”

There’s a lot of things you can point to for what Hughesville’s success can be attributed to. The solid goalie play, a talented back line, great midfielders and forwards. But for Hack, it all boils down to simply playing the game they know how to.

“We as a coaching staff take great pride in knowing that these girls, from top to bottom on the roster, understand the game,” Hack said. “Every single player gets the same guidance. That understanding, along with playing at such a high level in practice, allows everyone to perform properly in stressful situations where others may squander the opportunity.”

The coaching staff as noted has a lot of pride in the team. And no doubt, so does the Hughesville community.

Jon Gerardi covers high school soccer and is the sports editor at the Sun-Gazette. He can be reached at jgerardi@sungazette.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JonGerardi.