On Oct. 29, both the girls’ and boys’ soccer teams will be going up against the State College Little Lions for the District Championship game. Both games will take place in Hollidaysburg on Oct. 29 with both teams going up against State College. Girls will play at 5 p.m. and boys at 7 p.m.
The boys’ team is currently ranked first in their conference.
“I feel that we have improved throughout the year, and I feel very proud of my team on how far we have come,” sophomore Carson Crawford said.
The boys’ previously lost to State College, however Head Coach Travis Young feels that both teams have equal game play.
“It’s always the goal here at Altoona that we are competing for the District Championship,” Young said. “ I think both teams are evenly matched. They do some things really well, and so do we. Wednesday could be a game of inches and we are excited to see how it turns out.”
The girls’ team is ranked second in their conference.
“We’ve been playing really, really well recently,” senior Sophia O’Dea said. “We definitely have improved a lot since the beginning of the season. Everybody’s comfortable in their position on the field, and I think that strengthens us and our chemistry as a team.”
O’Dea is looking forward to the game.
“I’m super excited,” O’Dea said. “Obviously, I don’t want to get out the very first game, so I’m really nervous to play. I’m also super excited, and the team’s super excited as well. We want to beat State College, since it’s a rival game, and a lot of people will be there from Altoona.”
Junior Ava Frye feels the team is ready for the game.
“All of the girls are super excited,” Frye said. “There’s a little bit of nerves, but we’re coming in prepared this year. Since we’ve gone the past three years, everybody’s a little bit more used to it. I think that we’re going to come in hard and be prepared to win this year.”
If a win isn’t secured, this will mark the last game for senior soccer members.
“Taking care of business and doing my job, and then from there, we’ll have to see,” senior Colin Etters said. “I don’t really want my last game to be losing to State College, so I’m going to give it all I’ve got.”
The girls’ won the District 6 championship last year against State College, and Volunteer Coach David McCarter feels they have the same potential for a win this year too.
“I am very confident because they [ the girls’ team ] are in a good place in terms of focus,” McCarter said. “They have managed themselves well in terms of the stuff off the field, you have to take care of health, nutrition, mental health and grades. I think they are in a really good place.”
