Charlie Kephart

Students gather around the memorial. Flowers, flameless candles, stuffed animals and other items were placed around her senior poster in honor.

On Oct. 29, the girls’ soccer team took home a win in their first playoff game against Allderdice. The final score was 5-0. 

The game was originally to be played at Allderdice, but the game ended up being played at Mansion Park, as a mutual decision between the two teams. 

On Oct. 27, senior soccer player Lundyn Treese passed away, and sophomore football player Keagahn Smith-Price passed away. 

A moment of silence was held at the beginning of the game to honor the students. Students were allowed to bring flowers, flameless candles and other items to memorialize the students. 

“I hope everyone felt happy to see everyone come together, especially Lundyn’s family,” senior Landon Vaughn said. “It felt good to honor the lives we lost and remember them.”

In honor of Lundyn, the game was played on their home field.

Three goals were made by Altoona in the first half of the game. They were made by seniors Alannah Irwin, Alli Little and junior Sophia O’Dea. 

“I was really excited because there were a lot of people there watching when I scored,” O’Dea said. “There was a bunch of exclamation in the crowd, and it felt like I was doing it for Lundyn.” 

“It felt good really just playing our hardest for Lundyn and being able to get a win out for her,” Irwin said. 

Two goals were made in the second half by Little and senior Lia Sankey. 

“The game was obviously very emotional and it was apparent that a huge part of our team was missing, but after we scored our first goal the pieces started falling together,” Sankey said. “Lundyn was there pushing us every step of the way. I am feeling good about our upcoming game and I know that Lundyn is watching over us and she is our driving force coming into the state tournament. 

The girls will play in their next playoff game on Oct. 31 at 4:00 p.m. against McDowell