Hornets Break Halftime Tie, Defeat Liberty 5-2

By: Ed Weaver  /  September 22, 2023

A strong second half by Wellsboro led to a 5-2 road victory over North Penn-Liberty on Thursday, September 21.

"I think we did a better job keeping pressure on the ball and with our on-field communication," head coach Todd Fitch said. "We were able to limit their opportunities and Mitchell made some big saves when they did have some chances. It'll be nice to be back home next week."

The Hornets struck first nine minutes into the game on a goal by senior Jacob Abadi, assisted by sophomore Jude Cuneo, to give the Hornets an early lead. The Mounties, however, evened the score up at 1-all with 14:04 remaining in the first half, but the Hornets scored four second half goals to secure the win.

Senior Caden Smith scored unassisted with 28:21 remaining to break the tie and put the Hornets back in front. Junior Micaiah Fitch then made it a 3-1 game with 23:10 left to play as he converted a pass from junior Micah Vickery past the keeper. But the Mounties kept fighting and put their second goal in the back of the net, which only Williamson and Loyalsock have done so far this season, pulling them within one goal of the Hornets.

That would be as close as North Penn-Liberty would come.

Fitch scored his second goal of the afternoon on a great pass from Smith, giving Wellsboro a 4-2 lead with 17:08 to go, then junior Lucas Cuneo capped the scoring with 11:13 remaining on a shot directly in front of the goal stemming from a Fitch corner kick.

Wellsboro out shot the Mounties 21-6 in the game and had a 6-3 advantage in corner kicks. Senior Mitchell Butler recorded 5 saves in goal on the evening.

In the JV game Wellsboro come out on top 3-1, improving to 4-0-1 on the season. Jude Cuneo scored the first goal, assisted by sophomore Jacoby Strang. Strang then scored the Hornets' two remaining goals, one assisted by freshman Mason Brill and the other by freshman Dylan Tomlinson.

Wellsboro improves to 6-2 (5-1 NTL) on the year and hosts Northeast Bradford on Monday.