It could have happened when Schuylkill Haven scored less than two minutes into the game for a quick 1-0 lead to put Muncy in an early hole. It could have happened when Muncy’s throughballs weren’t able to pay off with scoring chances.

Muncy could have hung their heads in frustration after numerous chances came up with a shot just wide or right at Schuylkill Haven keeper Allyson Becker.

But that’s not Muncy. That’s not how the Indians play.

Yes, there were plenty of frustrations on some chances and shots, but Muncy kept playing and knew they were capable of winning. And Muncy gave its fans one absolutely exciting finish on Saturday afternoon.

Ava Eyer of Muncy and Bella Murphy of Schuylkill Haven collide as they race after a ball at Central Columbia High School Saturday afternoon. Muncy won 2-1 in double overtime. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Lexi McKeta scored the game-winning goal with just under four minutes remaining in regulation and with less than three minutes to play in the second overtime period, Kiki Woodward finally put in a goal to seal the victory.

Saturday’s game may have not started out how the Indians wanted it to, but it definitely ended how Muncy had hoped. And that gritty, comeback win showcased 100% the heart Muncy’s players have and never quitting. Now? Muncy is one of the final four teams standing in Pennsylvania and is keeping its unbelievable run this fall going.

“I mean it’s crazy. (Coach Jason Gresh) just tells us you worked your butts off all summer, we have practices all the time and they pay off and he knows that they pay off. We belong here,” Woodward said.

Muncy definitely belongs, they’ve proven that time and time again. And Muncy’s tough regular-season schedule is part of that reason why.

“(Gresh) gave us a very hard schedule and he knew that. When we started, we didn’t know we’d get this many wins but now that we’re here, he has full confidence in us,” Muncy’s Ava Eyer said.

Ava Eyer of Muncy takes a shot on goal as she’s guarded by Bella Murphy of Schuylkill Haven at Central Columbia High School Saturday afternoon. Muncy won 2-1 in double overtime. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

“At the beginning of the season, I was a little hesitant (as a keeper), but now I have full confidence and I’m sure our coaches do in our girls as well,” Muncy keeper Eva Nagel said.

When Gresh took the program over, Muncy had struggled to string together winning seasons. The team had never won a playoff game before Gresh took the program over. Now? Muncy’s won back-to-back Mid-Penn championships, won the District 4 Class A banner this year and won two state playoff games.

“It’s funny, three years ago there’s not a girl soccer banner in our gymnasium. It doesn’t exist. We win a league championship and they have to hang one so they put a number up. Last year tough circumstances, we didn’t quite get where we wanted to be, but we got to the district final. This year you add another number to that banner, then a district championship, add another number,” Gresh said. “Now we’re going to hang a massive banner for the Final Four. That’s another banner and that, they know how important this is. They want to be able to come back and show their kids some day, I was a apart of this. It’s something you can never overlook. It’s never happened in 25 or 26 years this program’s existed, and it’s just a huge step forward.”

Muncy’s players have all bought in and believed in Gresh and his coaching staff. When the current seniors were freshmen, they likely would have laughed if you told them they’d be in the state semifinals in four years. But that’s precisely where the Indians are now, and it’s an outstanding journey the team is more than happy about.

“Pure joy pretty much,” McKeta said with a laugh about what this win meant. “It’s good to put a whole bunch of numbers up on that banner and I’m really happy with this group of girls.”

Alexis McKeta of Muncy celebrates her game tying goal against Schuylkill Haven at Central Columbia High School Saturday afternoon. Muncy won 2-1 in double overtime. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Muncy’s community is rallying around the Indians as well. You see the fans pack the bleachers at games in the postseason. At Central Columbia on Saturday, Muncy fans packed the bleachers and let out a loud ovation when Lexi McKeta scored the game-tying goal late in the second half. And when Woodward scored the game winner, Muncy’s fans were even more vocal and cheering.

“I said (to Muncy AD Curt Chilson) ‘give me three years and we’ll be in the playoffs.’ I think he kind of chuckled a little bit really, but three years later we’re sitting in the playoffs,” Gresh said. “It’s just creating a belief system with these girls. It’s them believing in a vision and moving it forward and believing in themselves, which they do. Just an unbelievable experience and I couldn’t be prouder of this community and this team.”

And there’s no doubt the community is beyond proud with Muncy’s team and coaches this year.

Eva Nagel of Muncy makes one of her 20 saves in goal against Schuylkill Haven at Central Columbia High School Saturday afternoon. Muncy won 2-1 in double overtime. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Eva Nagel of Muncy makes one of her 20 saves in goal against Schuylkill Haven at Central Columbia High School Saturday afternoon. Muncy won 2-1 in double overtime. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette